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100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program - Information Session

100 Neighbourhood Batteries information session presentation

Free Online Training – An Introduction to Neighbourhood Batteries – From concept to feasibility

To complement the 2-day advanced training course, the Victorian Government released online Neighbourhood Battery feasibility training.

This feasibility training will support participants to move from concept to planning and preparing neighbourhood battery projects by covering topics such as business models and revenue opportunities, site selection, and project management.

The online feasibility training:

  • covers content from previous Neighbourhood battery training
  • integrates tools and templates developed for DEECA
  • converts the course into four one-hour online learning modules.
  • includes online Q&A sessions to address questions from people who have watched the online content.

About our trainers

Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) has been engaged by DEECA to design and deliver the training. YEF is an independent not-for-profit organisation with a mission to accelerate the uptake of cleaner energy.

YEF has been involved in the delivery of NB projects through the Victorian Government’s Neighbourhood Battery Initiative and has developed expertise working with stakeholders across the industry on a range of neighbourhood battery projects.

The Online Neighbourhood Battery Training

  1. Read the pre-training material, an overview of foundational concepts below
  2. Download and open the Neighbourhood Battery Activity Book below
  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
  7. Attend a live Q&A session to discuss what you have learnt and have questions about
    1. NB Q&A session 1: 18 September 2024 6-7pm
    2. NB Q&A session 2: 8 October 2024 6-7pm
    3. NB Q&A session 3: 11 November 2024 10-11am

Project Readiness Assessment Tool

The Project Readiness Assessment Tool will help you check your project idea’s suitability to apply to the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program. By using the tool you will be able to clearly see the capabilities, resources, and plans needed to install and run a neighbourhood battery.

Download our Project Readiness Assessment Tool to assess your readiness to apply for funding.

Please contact us if you need this information in an accessible format. Please call 03 8508 0959 or email neighbourhood.batteries@deeca.vic.gov.au

Revenue cost and benefit development tool

This tool will assist applicants to identify the revenues, costs and benefits of the proposed neighbourhood battery project. Revenues will include grant funding from the 100NB program and the proponent’s co-contribution.

  • Costs will include the purchase, installation, and commissioning of the battery.
  • Benefits will include the community and potential network benefits the battery project will create.

Please note this tool is focused on batteries and does not assess other elements of a resilience-focused neighbourhood battery projects that are applying for stream 3 of 100NB.

Please contact us if you need this information in an accessible format. Please call 03 8508 0959 or email neighbourhood.batteries@deeca.vic.gov.au

Neighbourhood Battery Initiative Industry and Community Report

In 2021, we asked you to share your views and experiences about neighbourhood batteries. Here are some insights:

  • over 1,000 visitors to the site
  • 350 surveys completed
  • 90% of community respondents were in favour of participating in a battery trial
  • industry responses featured community energy groups, local government, energy professionals, electricity retailers, Distribution Network Service Providers, and peak bodies
  • we need to test and support different neighbourhood battery models
  • knowledge sharing is essential
  • we need to address regulatory and other barriers to neighbourhood battery deployment.

Read the Victorian Neighbourhood Battery Initiative Consultation

The Knowledge Hub

DEECA had a research partnership with the Australian National University. This partnership created the Knowledge Hub. The hub has critical research and learnings on how to develop neighbourhood battery.

The Knowledge Hub is a one-stop shop of information. It provides a useful guide and support to all groups on neighbourhood batteries. Explore the Knowledge Hub.

Read more about neighbourhood batteries

Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Knowledge Bank. For battery storage reports, studies, multimedia and tools. These provide guidance and learning to benefit future renewable energy projects.

Yarra Energy Foundation Community Battery Resources. For a suite of webinars, reports, news about community batteries and updates about the YESS project.

Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program. Subscribe to their e-newsletter and learn about their projects, publications and educational videos.

Fast tracking neighbourhood batteries guide

Produced as a joint initiative by City of Melbourne, City of Yarra, City of Port Phillip, the Fast tracking neighbourhood batteries guide is to assist other inner metropolitan councils and community groups to:

  • understand neighbourhood batteries and their role locally
  • decide whether neighbourhood batteries could benefit their community
  • navigate a pathway to successful deployment.

This guide focusses on inner urban municipalities, but is also relevant for councils and communities beyond this context.

Page last updated: 26/09/24