The City of Melbourne has progressed with its Power Melbourne project aimed at enhancing the accessibility and affordability of renewable energy for residents and businesses.
At the heart of the project’s pilot phase are three battery energy storage systems, collectively possessing a capacity of 450 kW/1MWh. These systems will be placed at the Library at the Dock, Boyd Community Hub, and a Council House site.
Functioning as energy reservoirs, these batteries will store excess renewable energy generated during peak periods and release it when demand is at its highest, facilitating the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Origin Energy will handle the installation and operation of the battery network.
According to the council, the initiative has robust support, with over 85 per cent of Melburnians endorsing the installation of community batteries in their local areas.
Mayor Sally Capp underscored the transformative potential of Power Melbourne, emphasising its role in democratising access to clean energy.
“Power Melbourne will benefit residents who live or work in apartment buildings and can’t install their own solar panels, while driving new investment and creating jobs,” Capp said.
Environment portfolio lead Councillor Rohan Leppert stresses the importance of storage infrastructure in the renewable energy equation.
“Storage is the missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to providing residents and businesses with access to affordable renewable energy,” he said.
“The pilot will inform future phases of the project – supporting our journey towards powering the city with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030.”
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