The Victorian Government has launched a new digital tool. This tool will assist communities and organisations in determining their readiness for the installation of neighbourhood batteries.
This initiative aims to enhance energy reliability and reduce energy costs.
The 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program, announced by Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy and Resources, will deliver more batteries to Victorian communities this year.
The program is open to councils, community groups, businesses, developers, and not-for-profits.
Neighbourhood batteries, larger than household batteries but smaller than grid-scale batteries, empower local communities.
They store cheap renewable energy when abundant and dispatch it when needed. This ensures local households and businesses maximise their solar usage.
The program’s new Project Readiness Assessment Tool will help potential applicants. It will determine if a neighbourhood battery is suitable for their local community and if they are ready to apply.
With the next round of applications opening in August, the tool will assist groups in preparing for funding applications.
From June 2024, organisations can use the Neighbourhood Battery Business Case Tool. This tool will help build a business case for their project and develop a stronger application for government funding
D’Ambrosio said the program will benefit all Victorians.
“We’ve made Victoria the home of batteries. From the Victorian Big Battery, the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub through to the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program, we’re strengthening our energy reliability, driving down electricity prices, and leading the transition to renewables,” she said.
The 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program builds on the success of the $10.92 million Neighbourhood Battery Initiative.
This initiative has already funded 25 batteries. The program aims to improve local energy network reliability, reduce power outages, and encourage more households to adopt rooftop solar.
For more renewable and solar news, subscribe to ecogeneration.
