Fast tracking neighbourhood batteries

Yarra City Council is investigating the feasibility of more neighbourhood batteries across Yarra.

In partnership with the Victorian Government, we're collaborating with the Cities of Melbourne and Port Phillip to understand ways we can fast-track neighbourhood batteries in inner metropolitan Melbourne.

This initiative aims to assess ways of delivering renewable, clean energy to residents and businesses in Yarra, including those who previously had been unable to access renewable energy. We aim to empower local communities to participate in neighbourhood battery projects.

Yarra City Council Mayor Cr. Claudia Nguyen said she looked forward to hearing what the community had to say.

"We know that access to renewable and sustainable energy using community batteries excites many residents and businesses in the Yarra community.

I look forward to hearing feedback from our community, which will help to shape how and where we deliver more of these initiatives in Yarra."

How do they work?

Neighbourhood batteries 'soak up' solar from nearby homes and businesses, and like a household battery, store this energy to be used by the neighbourhood later in the evening.

This means that the energy grid can support more solar, and those in the community who don't have their own solar panels are able to benefit from this shared resource.

How can you help and find out more?

Before we can begin to plan more neighbourhood batteries in Yarra, we need your help in determining the feasibility of this and where the batteries could go.

To have your say and find out more, visit Your Say Yarra.

Consultation closes at 9am on Monday 3 April.

You can also find out more by coming to our information session at:

• North Fitzroy Library where we will be in the community room on Wednesday 22 March from 6pm to 7pm. Please register your attendance for this session beforehand.

Or chat to us in person on:

• Saturday 25 March, where we will be at Gleadell Street Market in Richmond, from 10am to 11.30am.

The neighbourhood battery initiative will support Yarra's target of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2030.