The Mildura region could soon boast its first community battery following the launch of an innovative regional project.
The Regional Greenhouse Alliance Neighbourhood Battery Investigation Project aims to develop investment-ready business cases for single community batteries at 18 locations across regional Victoria, including Mildura.
Councillor for Environment and Sustainability Jason Modica said the project was funded by the Victorian Government’s Neighbourhood Battery Initiative (round 3) and would run from now until August 2024.
Community batteries store solar-generated electricity during the day and discharge it at night when grid electricity demand is often at its highest, enabling the local electricity network to support more rooftop solar.
As a result, residents and businesses are able to generate and consume more renewable energy locally, which provides broader benefits in terms of reducing energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.
“This is a great initiative that will not only encourage further adoption and reliance on renewable energy but help attract additional investment in our region for renewable energy projects,” Cr Modica said.
The project is a joint-effort led by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance, Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance and Gippsland Alliance for Climate Action, in partnership with Indigo Power. Council is a member of the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance and will be a key partner in the project.
Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance Chief Executive Officer Annika Kearton said the Greenhouse Alliances were delighted to be working with 18 councils across regional Victoria on this exciting project.
“The project will plan community batteries at sites servicing a high value community need, such as emergency shelters, places of last resort and other critical community facilities, with a focus on exploring how to maximise benefits at different community sites,” Ms Kearton said.
Cr Modica said the project formed part of Council’s commitment to support the community to reduce emissions and address the causes and impacts of climate change.
