The small community of Yackandandah has just installed 60kW/200kWh neighbourhood-scale battery, driving significant progress in renewable energy.
Totally Renewable Yackandandah
Yackandandah, situated 3 hours 23 minutes from Melbourne, with a population of 2,008 and a reputation for being one of Australia’s prettiest villages, can now lay claim to being a model for innovative energy storage technologies.
According to Matt Charles-Jones and Dr. Juliette Milbank from Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY), 'we are very firmly fixed on 100% renewable energy and have made some great gains.'
This is where the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program and its battery grants have been crucial. TRY have installed a 60kW/200kWh neighbourhood-scale battery, which the town is very excited about. 'Having more storage is a big factor in trying to level out daytime generation and nighttime demand,' Milbank said.
Located at the Yackandandah Sports Park, the battery not only supports the local sporting clubs and on-site recreation activities, but provides valuable facilities during power outages.
'The battery provides multiple benefits: reducing carbon pollution, cutting energy costs, and enhancing resilience. For us, the battery has benefits on those 3 things.'
This success hasn’t been achieved without significant community dedication. 'This is just another manifestation of the spirit of the community. And it’s a very significant piece in the puzzle,' Charles-Jones said.
Yet, the renewable energy vision for Yackandandah extends well beyond these immediate gains. The community aims to create a scenario where 'energy is not something done to us, but something done by us'.
Now the battery is operating, they’re shifting their focus to what lies ahead. 'We need to understand how batteries at all scales work in the energy system,' they said, highlighting the importance of adaptability in an evolving technological landscape.
Across Victoria towns are seeking to increase their generation and use of local renewable energy, and batteries are a key enabler of this.
'The rate of change in battery technology is so rapid that we need to know how to use them, so as the technology develops, we are ready to apply the learnings for great consumer and environmental outcomes.'
At the heart of Yackandandah's renewable energy strategy is a commitment to effectively manage fluctuating renewable energy sources. 'It’s about managing an energy source that is intermittent so we can save power when it’s plentiful and use it when it’s not,' they said.
Yackandandah’s efforts show how small communities can drive significant progress in renewable energy. With their pioneering approach and community spirit, Yackandandah is not just imagining a sustainable future, they're building it.
Project facts
Lead organisation: Totally Renewable Yackandandah
Project partners: Indigo Power, Australian Ethical Sports Park Committee, Yack Community Centre,
Start date: July 2024
Expected completion: April 2025
Battery location: Yackandandah Sports Park, Indigo Shire Council
Battery sizing: 60kW/200kWh
Chemistry and configuration: Lithium iron phosphate, behind-the-meter battery
Page last updated: 21/10/26