Queenscliff sets sights on neighbourhood batteries

QUEENSCLIFF has been marked as a key location for the Victorian Government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program, aiming to enhance local renewable energy storage.

The initiative seeks to increase the use of locally produced solar power by introducing neighbourhood batteries, also known as community batteries.

These systems are designed to store solar energy, offering communities more reliable and affordable green energy.

According to a statement from the Borough of Queenscliffe, Victoria’s recent power outages have underscored the urgency for local energy solutions.

“Council was approached by the Distributed Energy team of Mondo – a company pioneering in community mini-grids and energy hubs that empower homes and businesses to generate, manage, store, and share energy, and Queenscliffe Climate Action Now in late 2023 with a proposal for Mondo to make an application to the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries program,” the borough statad

“Mondo proposed a renewable energy storage solution for Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff which includes 100kW/250kWh batteries with a 2m x 1.3m footprint.”

The proposed battery units, roughly the size of three to four side-by-side refrigerators, promise a significant boost in the borough’s renewable energy capabilities.

The borough has expressed its support, and stated it is willing to provide land that it manages for the battery installations.

“Council is pleased to support the initiative because it delivers on the objectives of the community’s Climate Emergency Response Plan and supports the growing generation of renewable energy via rooftop solar systems by our community.”

The state government’s decision on successful applicants is anticipated by this month.

If the proposal is approved, Mondo and the council plan to organise a community information session to discuss the project’s details and next steps.