The Victorian Government has been rolling out their Neighbourhood battery program which will see hundreds of batteries installed around the state to help with the shift to renewable energy. Round 2 of the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program offers up to $15 million in total funding, with up to $400,000 available per battery.
The regional town of Yackandandah who have been leaders in renewable energy at a community level, have been successful in getting a battery funded through the program.
In 2025, the applicant Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY), in conjunction with Indigo Power, will install a neighbourhood-scale battery at the Yackandandah Sports Park. The battery will support local sporting clubs and on-site recreation activities, and provide valuable facilities during power outages.
With Indigo Shire Council and the volunteer committee, Totally Renewable Yackandandah will install a neighbourhood battery at the Yackandandah Sports Park. This installation aims to boost the proportion of ‘low carbon’ power in the network each evening, reduce power bills, and support increased solar generation. Critically, the battery will also be able to power site backup loads during outages or emergencies.
The battery provides multiple benefits including reducing carbon pollution, cutting energy costs, enhancing resilience.
With their pioneering approach and community spirit, Yackandandah is not just imagining a sustainable future, they’re building it.
Other successful locations in this round include Phillip Island, Queenscliff and Baranduda and Tatura.
I happened to be in Yackandandah today and visited their Electric Vehicle charger site, something the town achieved in August 2022.
Applications are now open for grants of up to $400,000 to install a battery in your community. More information is available at energy.vic.gov.au/100-neighbourhood-batteries
