Torquay microgrid workshop to shape electrical opportunities

THE Surf Coast Shire is urging community members to provide input into a second feasibility study to identify how microgrid systems can best cater to Torquay and Lorne.

The council’s partnership with Surf Coast Energy Group, Monash University and Birdwood Energy hopes its feasibility studies will give residents a better picture of how the shire’s new batteries should be best utilised.

To give residents a chance to provide input, a second community workshop is available Wednesday, December 7 at The Sands Torquay, following on from a first workshop held in Lorne on November 16.

Monash University Project Lead Priya Galketiya said he welcomed the council’s support.

“We have been lucky to have the full support of our council partners. Councils play a critical role providing the link to the community, enabling the project to have the best opportunity to meet community needs,” Mr Galketiya said.

“A microgrid can realise greater value for users by pooling assets such as excess solar generation. This can provide for greater efficiencies when compared to individuals buying their own batteries for storing any excess electricity they produce,” he said.

Electricity generation and user data will be collected and analysed over summer at two 50kWh batteries, which were delivered in October to the Torquay and Lorne sites. Data results will be released in April next year.

Surf Coast Shire councillor Libby Stapleton emphasised the importance of community input regarding the microgrid project.

“As a council we want to support emerging energy solutions to power the transition towards renewable energy,” she said.

“We’re pleased to play a part in this initiative to drive down electricity related emissions, and we encourage locals to learn more about the project and get involved through the upcoming workshops.”

The Sands Torquay’s community workshop is on from 7.00pm to 8.30pm, December 7.