This paper discusses the potential impacts of 'community batteries', or more generally medium-scale batteries, on the equity and ecological sustainability of the energy system. The discussion is situated within the context of an energy system in the throes of sweeping changes, driven by climate change and decarbonisation, that are guaranteed to continue and accelerate.

While many of the conversations surrounding community batteries revolve around questions of ownership and operations, the author believes that there is a more fundamental question. This is - why should we deploy medium-scale batteries – what objectives do they address?

The author's most important conclusion is that deploying medium-scale batteries is no substitute for developing clear plans and deliberative processes for transforming communities’ electricity systems to be decarbonised and resilient. Such plans and processes are what communities ultimately wish to see and be a part of.