The State Government will launch a $1.1 million battery storage pilot project for some of the state’s most beloved public buildings.

The project, believed to be the first of its kind in Australia, will see energy storage batteries installed at the South Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of South Australia and the State Library, each of which have solar arrays.

Public schools in the city may also benefit from the project.

Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the project would help position the state among the early adopters of the promising technology, which stores excess energy generated by renewable power sources.

“Battery energy storage is an emerging global market, and storage systems offer particular benefits when combined with solar photovoltaics, allowing for solar generation to be better matched to (a) building’s energy demands,” he said.

“These North Terrace precinct sites offer a great opportunity to publicly showcase battery storage technology, and public schools in the city could also show the community how solar photovoltaics and battery storage technologies can be combined to provide energy-smart solutions in smaller buildings.”

He said South Australia was well-positioned to be a “strong early market” for battery storage systems, given the high uptake of renewable energy sources in the state.

“In a state which already boasts 39 per cent of our energy from renewable sources, this demonstration project will provide local experience to help make this a reality.”

The Government has released an expression of interest for companies interested in installing the technology.

The Zen Energy “Powerbank” uses high density lithium ion batteries to store renewable energy.

It follows Adelaide City Council’s move earlier this month to triple funding for its green scheme.

The council also broadened the eligibility for subsidies on sustainable technologies including solar panels to allow businesses, office buildings and schools to claim rebates, and increased the number of techonologies available for subsidy to include solar batteries and electric cars charging station.

The State Government said its demonstration project would be a step towards Adelaide achieving “carbon neutral” status in the future.

Battery storage has been one of the biggest environmental stories of the year, with American technology giant Tesla announcing plans to sell batteries for domestic use.

Adelaide-based Zen Energy Systems already has a battery system on the market for use in conjunction with solar systems.

Zen’s chief operating officer Reuben Summerell applauded the North Tce initiative.

“Energy storage is the future and it’s great to see South Australia embracing this exciting new technology and supporting the growth of local businesses and the creation of additional jobs,” he said.