Energy is vital for every economy because it’s needed to make products, provide services, and improve people’s lives, society, and the economy.
Different industries use energy to create goods and transport them for everyday needs like heating, cooking, lighting, and running home appliances. Research shows that using more energy is linked to better economic growth and improved well-being.
Renewable energy allows us to fix the problems caused by relying too heavily on fossil fuels. This is why energy security is essential for global stability, and energy security is defining the 21st century.
With the added pressure of climate change and the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, it’s clear why governments are paying more attention to energy security.
What is Energy Security?
A clear understanding of energy security is essential for efficiently achieving this goal. However, different researchers define energy security in various and sometimes conflicting ways. They often focus on other risks and study their impacts from different angles.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) defines energy security as “having a steady supply of energy at an affordable price.” The IEA was created to ensure that energy is both secure and affordable.
Energy security means that a country has enough energy to meet its needs. Its energy systems should be protected from short-term supply issues and cyber-attacks while preparing for future demands.
The government must also have the infrastructure to deliver energy to homes, businesses, and key institutions like the military.
Although these definitions aren’t complete, they highlight the importance of energy security, showing that it’s a complex issue and why many countries prioritise it.
In the short term, energy security focuses on the system’s ability to respond quickly to unexpected supply and demand changes.
In the long term, it involves making timely investments to ensure the energy supply keeps up with economic growth and environmental goals.
Globally, energy security is getting more attention, as shown by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7, which calls for affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for everyone.
What are the 4 As of Energy Security?
The 4 A’s of Energy Security are:
Availability: Making sure there is enough energy available.
Accessibility: Ensuring that everyone can get energy through robust infrastructure and that energy is affordable.
Affordability: Keeping energy prices low enough so people don’t struggle to pay for it.
Acceptability: Reducing the harmful effects of energy use, such as pollution, greenhouse gases, and environmental damage.
Indicators of Energy Security
- Energy reserves
- Energy production and consumption
- Energy trade balances
- Energy prices
- Energy diversity
- Share of renewable energy
What are the Three Pillars of Energy Security?
Energy security is one of three pillars that modern energy policy aims to address. The others are energy efficiency and sustainability.
These pillars will guide energy policy decisions as the world strives to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 using renewable energy sources.
Energy Transition from Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy| How Energy Security Is Defining the 21st Century
While clean energy technologies are expected to dominate in the future, fossil fuels remain the backbone of energy security today.
Over 84% of the world’s energy still comes from fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal. These resources fuel essential services that the modern world depends on, including global trade, transportation, heating, and a consistent electricity supply.
Without fossil fuels, much of the global economy and daily life would struggle to function as smoothly as they do now.
This reliance on fossil fuels makes them crucial to energy security, as countries with abundant fossil fuel reserves have more control over their energy needs.
Governments without enough fossil fuel resources often face tough decisions when engaging with countries with large reserves.
This can create political and economic challenges as energy security becomes tied to international relations and dependency on foreign energy sources.
On the other hand, countries with access to fossil fuels deal with a different challenge: how to continue using these resources without causing significant environmental harm.
Fossil fuel use is a primary driver of climate change, so balancing the need for energy security with the urgency of reducing carbon emissions is a difficult task.
This issue highlights the complexity of energy security today. Fossil fuels ensure the reliability of energy supplies in the short term, but their long-term use poses severe risks to the planet.
As a result, governments are increasingly looking for ways to shift to cleaner energy sources while still ensuring stable and affordable energy supplies during the transition period.
Energy Security and Climate Change Go Hand-In-Hand
Energy security means providing reliable and affordable energy to a region, but many countries need help because they rely on fossil fuels controlled by other nations.
In the past century, a few countries rich in oil, natural gas, and coal have made much money from their fossil fuel resources.
As the world’s population grows, the energy demand will increase. However, the shift to clean energy allows many countries to use renewable sources like solar and wind, which can improve their energy security.
Although global politics and the fossil fuel industry may resist the growth of clean energy, renewable energy offers less pollution and better energy security.
This makes it an attractive option for countries struggling with energy access. The global energy security landscape will change as more countries turn to clean energy.
Energy Security vs. Energy Independence
Energy independence occurs when a nation has enough energy resources to meet its demands. In contrast, energy security relates to having reliable and affordable energy within a country, regardless of where the power was sourced. Having both enhances a country’s national security and economic growth.
According to the (WEC), Sweden, Denmark, and Finland are the top three energy-secure nations. Thanks to their energy security, sustainability, and policymakers’ effective energy transition to renewable energy sources.
What is the Energy Australia Secure Saver Plan?
The Energy Australia Secure Saver Plan helps customers deal with rising energy costs by locking in fixed rates for both usage and supply charges for two years.
This means your energy bills won’t increase during that time, even if energy prices rise. If energy prices drop, you can still benefit from lower rates.
This plan benefits people in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, where energy prices have risen.
By securing fixed rates, households can better manage their energy expenses and avoid surprise price hikes while still having the option to switch to lower rates if they become available.
The shift to cleaner and more affordable energy sources is expected to help ease the pressure on electricity prices overall by the end of the two-year period.
Energy Landscape of Australia, 2024
Growth of Renewable Energy:
Clean energy sources like solar, wind, and water power are becoming more important in Australia. By 2024, over 35% of electricity will come from these renewable sources.
Many homes and businesses use rooftop solar panels to generate electricity. Australia is also building large solar and wind farms, especially in states like South Australia and Victoria, which are leading the way in renewable energy.
Energy Storage and System Upgrades:
Australia spends much money on technologies like large batteries and pumped hydro projects to store energy.
Storing energy is essential because solar and wind power can’t always provide steady electricity. The country is also updating its power grid to handle more renewable energy and stabilise the system.
Fossil Fuels and Transition:
Energy Security and Policies:
As Australia closes more coal plants and uses more renewable energy, ensuring enough power is becoming a concern.
The government is developing policies to ensure the reliability of the energy supply, reduce emissions, and keep prices reasonable. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is helping plan for these changes to avoid power outages.
Energy Security and Policies:
As Australia closes more coal plants and uses more renewable energy, ensuring enough power is becoming a concern.
The government is developing policies to ensure the reliability of the energy supply, reduce emissions, and keep prices reasonable. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is helping plan for these changes to avoid power outages.
Cutting Emissions and Climate Goals:
Australia aims to lower its carbon emissions and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The energy sector is key to meeting these climate goals.
In 2024, policies like the Safeguard Mechanism are in place to control emissions from big industrial facilities. Australia also pushes for cleaner industries that use renewable energy and green hydrogen.
Global Energy Market and Exports:
Australia still exports much coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) despite the world moving toward clean energy.
However, the country is also becoming a leader in exporting renewable energy, like green hydrogen, using clean power. This hydrogen could be sold to countries like Japan and South Korea.
Australia is at a point where it needs to balance its old use of fossil fuels with a future-focused on renewable energy and reducing emissions. The next few years are crucial as the country works on energy security, keeping costs down, and meeting climate goals.
To get more news about energy and energy security, keep an eye on Cyanergy. You can also talk to an expert!
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https://cyanergy.com.au/blog/how-energy-security-is-defining-the-21st-century/
ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance
Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:
“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.
“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action.
“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”
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ABOUT ACORE
For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.
Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org
The post ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance appeared first on ACORE.
https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-treasurys-safe-harbor-guidance/
Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff.
Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes!
These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems.
Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.
But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia?
Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective.
In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.
In this blog post:
Why You Need Battery Storage Now?
According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.
Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage.
Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.
Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day.
Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.
Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.
What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?
Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar.
Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint.
But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there!
The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.
A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.
Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery:
- Energy Independence
- Maximized Savings
- Better Return on Investment ROI
- Lower Carbon Footprint
- Peace of Mind
Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the Australian energy market.
Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability.
Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates?
Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.
Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%.
These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.
Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.
Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind.
What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?
While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone.
Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.
Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question.
With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.
So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things:
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Your Daily Energy Usage
Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day.
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Your Solar System Output
How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting.
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Your Nighttime Power Usage
A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid.
Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!
- For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.
- For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.
- Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.
- For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.
Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!
Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!
- For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.
- For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.
- Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.
- For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.
Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!
How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?
Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.
However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here.
Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system.
Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.
These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage.
Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance
It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.
So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process.
Benefits of Solar Battery Storage
- Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining.
- You don’t have to care about power outages anymore
- In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source
- Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak
- During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun.
- Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source.
Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system:
- Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.
- Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk.
Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage
- One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents.
- Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments.
- Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime.
- While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time.
- Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.
Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!
You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.
First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.
A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.
Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.
Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.
Takeaway Thoughts
Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.
With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most.
By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030.
It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia.
Looking for CEC-accredited local installers?
Contact us today for any of your solar needs. We’d be happy to assist!
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.
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