The Andrews Labor Government will support trials of neighbourhood-scale batteries to maximise the unprecedented uptake in rooftop solar and empower communities to take control of their energy.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas announced that the $3 million Neighbourhood Battery Initiative (NBI) is open, inviting applications for neighbourhood-scale battery projects from local investors, businesses, community groups and other interested parties.

Neighbourhood-scale batteries can provide a range of benefits to electricity users, networks and Victorian communities. Importantly, they can play a valuable role in supporting residential solar systems by soaking up excess solar output during the day which can then be dispatched in the evening, when it is needed most.

Victoria’s Solar Homes Program has seen record levels of rooftop solar systems installed. About 20 per cent of Victorian households have solar panels and that is expected to grow to 50 per cent by 2030. Neighbourhood-scale batteries could maximise the power generated by the hundreds of thousands of solar systems across the state.

The NBI is part of the record $1.6 billion clean energy package announced in the 2020-2021 Victorian Budget. The package will deliver household and business energy efficiency initiatives, improve crucial grid infrastructure, drive down emissions and support more Solar Homes.

A consultation paper that seeks feedback from stakeholders about the deployment of neighbourhood batteries will be released alongside the application guidelines via the Engage Victoria website.

Applications for the NBI close on 11 April 2021. Find out more or submit an application at: www.energy.vic.gov.au/new-energy-technologies

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Neighbourhood scale batteries are a new energy storage model that takes advantage of the massive popularity of rooftop solar by soaking up excess power during the day and dispatching it at night-time and when it’s needed.”

Quotes attributable Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“The Neighbourhood Battery Initiative is a great way to involve local communities in the transition to clean energy and maximise the growing number of rooftop solar systems in our area”