The State Government will support trials of neighbourhood-scale batteries to maximise the unprecedented uptake in rooftop solar and empower communities to take control of their energy.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced that the $3 million Neighbourhood Battery Initiative (NBI) is open, inviting applications for neighbourhood-scale battery projects from local investors, businesses, community groups and other interested parties.
Neighbourhood-scale batteries can provide a range of benefits to electricity users, networks and Victorian communities. Importantly, they can play a valuable role in supporting residential solar systems by soaking up excess solar output during the day which can then be dispatched in the evening, when it is needed most.
Victoria’s Solar Homes Program has seen record levels of rooftop solar systems installed. About 20 per cent of Victorian households have solar panels and that is expected to grow to 50 per cent by 2030. Neighbourhood-scale batteries could maximise the power generated by the hundreds of thousands of solar systems across the state.
A consultation paper that seeks feedback from stakeholders about the deployment of neighbourhood batteries will be released alongside the application guidelines via the Engage Victoria website.
Applications for the NBI close on 11 April 2021. Find out more or submit an application at: www.energy.vic.gov.au/new-energy-technologies.
