The City of Melbourne’s ambitious battery storage and renewable electricity project is set to deliver cheaper power for small businesses and residents while reducing emissions and contributing to a more sustainable future.
The Power Melbourne project is now inviting expressions of interest from energy retailers and battery solution providers to partner with the City of Melbourne.
It comes as modelling from the Australian Energy Market Operator shows small to mid-scale battery capacity in Victoria is projected to increase by 844 per cent over the next decade. In contrast, the use of brown coal is projected to shrink by 79 per cent.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said Power Melbourne will build a neighbourhood-scale battery network and retail electricity offering, to enable more renewable energy into the grid and reduce power bills for consumers.
“Renewable energy backed by battery storage presents exciting opportunities not only for emissions reductions, but also for job creation and the local economy,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Through Power Melbourne we want to lead the way and create a replicable model that can be used across Victoria and the country, and we’re looking for energy retailers and battery providers to get in on the ground floor.
“We’d like those who share our vision to join us in delivering this innovative project, help drive down emissions and deliver affordable renewable energy to residents and small businesses.
“This is all part of our commitment to power Melbourne with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030.”
The City of Melbourne is partnering with RMIT University and University of Melbourne on the Power Melbourne project. Power Melbourne is a key project committed under a new Partnerships Charter between University of Melbourne and the city signed earlier this week.
Working alongside world leading researchers from RMIT and the University of Melbourne, Power Melbourne will support the goals of the universities and Council in taking strong action on climate change.
Environment portfolio lead Councillor Rohan Leppert said Power Melbourne’s batteries will be coordinated to deliver more renewable energy back into the grid when it is needed most.
“Transitioning to renewables and showing businesses and the community how it can be done is a vital part of our plans to create a more sustainable future for Melburnians,” Cr Leppert said.
“As Australia and the world transition to clean energy, we know that easy access to affordable energy for residents and small businesses is paramount. That’s why we’re ensuring that Power Melbourne will support Melburnians in apartments, renters and disadvantaged groups.”
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said Victoria is not only leading the nation when it comes to renewable energy but we’re also the nation’s home of big batteries.
“This project will help more Melbournians enjoy the benefits of renewable energy, delivering jobs, lower bills and helping us to meet our goal to halve emissions by 2030,” Minister D’Ambrosio said.
Work is underway to identify suitable locations to install battery assets, taking into account network needs and community benefits.
The City of Melbourne has received funding to support a technical feasibility study through the Victorian Government’s Neighbourhood Battery Initiative.
Expressions of Interest for the Power Melbourne project are now open, with submissions closing Friday 11 February 2022.
