Residents and businesses in Melbourne’s CBD will benefit from better energy reliability and cheaper energy bills thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio today launched the first of two 150-kilowatt battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the City of Melbourne.
These batteries were made possible through the Labor Government’s Neighbourhood Battery Initiative and form part of the Power Melbourne project.
This $750,000 investment will deliver the first battery at City of Melbourne’s Council House 1 with the second 150 kW battery soon to be installed at the Docklands’ Library.
Neighbourhood batteries soak up cheap renewable energy when it is plentiful and dispatch it when it is needed most – making sure communities get the most out any rooftop solar power being generated during the day. They also create more room in the electricity grid to allow more residents to install solar and reduce their energy bills.
The Labor Government’s $10.92 million Neighbourhood Battery Initiative (NBI) has funded a range of neighbourhood battery models, from feasibility to implementation including two other neighbourhood batteries at Fitzroy North and Tarneit.
Building on the success of NBI, the Government is also delivering 100 more neighbourhood batteries across the state. The first round is delivering 25 neighbourhood batteries across 20 towns and store more than 4.2 megawatt hours of electricity.
Applications for the next round of the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program opens in August.
For more information about neighbourhood batteries, visit energy.vic.gov.au/grants/neighbourhood-batteries.
As stated by Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re empowering local communities to get the most out of their rooftop solar systems – strengthening their energy reliability and driving down electricity prices.”
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Action Sheena Watt
“This Neighbourhood battery will soak-up renewable energy and spread the benefits to Melbourne residents and local businesses who can take advantage of cheap, clean, renewable energy.”
As stated by City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“Power Melbourne can make a difference to the 83 per cent of City of Melbourne residents who live in apartment buildings by giving them access to cleaner, cheaper renewable energy.”
