The City of Melbourne is one step closer to delivering more affordable renewable energy for residents and businesses through its ambitious Power Melbourne project.
Power Melbourne's pilot stage will see three battery energy storage systems - with a combined capacity of 450 kW / 1MWh - installed at Library at the Dock, Boyd Community Hub and a Council House site.
The batteries will charge during the day when there is a higher proportion of renewable energy in the grid. Stored energy will then be released back into the grid when it's needed most - helping to support the transition to renewable energy.
The project's pilot phase is an opportunity to test the Power Melbourne model, gaining insights to inform the expansion of the battery network and retail offering in the future.
Following a rigorous tender process, Council will partner with Origin Energy to install and operate these batteries - creating a network to help accelerate the transition to a renewable powered city.
More than 85 per cent of Melburnians surveyed support the installation of community batteries in their local area. The majority of residents and businesses also agree urgent action is needed on climate change.
Power Melbourne will boost the city's economy by creating new opportunities for research, industry development, education and training.
It will also accelerate the city's transition to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030, helping Council achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.
We're working closely with The University of Melbourne, RMIT University and inner-city councils to ensure the Power Melbourne model can be replicated across greater Melbourne and beyond.
We'll also continue to consult with residents and businesses as we test this initial network - to consider how we can utilise the batteries to the benefit of our community.
All three batteries in the Power Melbourne pilot network are expected to be installed by mid-2024.
Power Melbourne is supported through the Victorian Government's Neighbourhood Batteries initiative and the Australian Government Community Batteries for Household Solar program.
Projects like Power Melbourne are leading the city's efforts to address climate change and reduce emissions. The City of Melbourne was recently recognised with its sixth A-grade rating from global environmental impact not-for-profit, CDP.
