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While neighbourhood batteries can perform many roles, their social benefits are often one of the most valued things they can give your community. This video outlines these social benefits.
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Free online training: Introduction to neighbourhood batteries

The Victorian Government has released online neighbourhood battery feasibility training.

This feasibility training will support you to move from concept to planning and prepare your neighbourhood battery (NB) projects. It covers topics such as:

  • business models and revenue opportunities
  • site selection
  • project management.

The online feasibility training:

  • covers content from previous NB training
  • integrates tools and templates developed for DEECA
  • converts the course into 4 one-hour online learning modules.
  • includes online Q&A sessions to address questions once you have watched the online content.

Online training

  1. Read the online pre-training materials, an overview of foundational concepts
  2. Download and open the Neighbourhood Battery Activity Book
  3. Watch session 1: Problem context and key concepts
  4. Watch session 2: Operating a BESS
  5. Watch session 3: Project implementation
  6. Watch session 4: Project development

Case study

Neighbourhood battery training gives a leg up to renewable energy and energy transition

Victorians are learning how to set up and run neighbourhood batteries through DEECA's comprehensive and accessible training, supporting the energy transition.

In 2023, DEECA contracted the Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) to run 1 day, in-person training sessions. Participants learnt how to plan and assess the feasibility of neighbourhood battery (NB) projects. Participants included:

  • industry practitioners
  • community groups
  • local governments
  • local businesses

From here, training sessions aimed to be a step-by-step guide on how to establish neighbourhood scale batteries and run a complex infrastructure asset successfully.

Delivered in 2023 and 2024, the feasibility training covered topics such as:

  • business models and revenue opportunities for batteries
  • site selection
  • project management
  • community engagement.

The training aimed to provide lasting value for participants. Giving participants the knowledge to become neighbourhood battery advocates.

To improve accessibility, feasibility training moved online and became free in 2024. Meanwhile, a new 2-day advanced training was introduced and delivered in 2024 and 2025.

The success of the training was reflected in the number of organisations whose staff or volunteers completed it and then secured funding to install neighbourhood batteries through the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program.

Testimonials

Testimonials from those who completed the Neighbourhood Battery training

'The [… Neighbourhood Batteries Advanced Training Course] provided an invaluable deep dive into the complexities of community battery projects. The course was well-structured, with expert-led sessions covering technical, regulatory, and financial aspects in a way that was both comprehensive and practical. The real-world case studies and interactive discussions were particularly beneficial, equipping us with the knowledge and confidence to progress community battery initiatives. A must for anyone with limited or advanced knowledge on delivering local energy solutions.'

'As a member of the community group: Flinders Zero Carbon Community having partnered in the successful implementation of the Flinders Community Battery (Australian Government funded grant), I realise how much it would have helped to have taken part in a course like this one at the outset.'

'The course exceeded my expectations. The knowledge sharing from YEF of their own experiences owning and operating a battery plus industry insights from completing a wide range of NB business cases is invaluable information that isn't otherwise accessible for many organisations. This course is a financially viable way to access a high level of expertise that is essential knowledge if planning to proceed with a NB project. Great job YEF, and a big thank you to YEF and DEECA.'

'Coming into the Advanced Neighbourhood Battery training course I had a very limited knowledge on NB's. Now I feel equipped to confidently start our own NB's project and look forward to working with the community, scoping out possible sites and eventually entering into the electricity market.'

Page last updated: 15/05/25