Objectives
The growth in renewables and electrification will continue to drive demand for batteries. For Victoria to get the most out of our increasing distributed energy resources, such as rooftop solar, more support is being targeted via the Neighbourhood Battery Initiative (NBI).
The NBI aims to achieve the following outcomes:
- support understanding of the full range of benefits that neighbourhood scale batteries can provide
- help to overcome barriers to the deployment of neighbourhood scale batteries
- inform regulatory reform
- determine which neighbourhood scale battery models provide the most benefits to the Victorian electricity system
- assist optimisation of distributed energy generation within the low voltage network
- support the decarbonisation of Victoria’s electricity system to tackle climate change.
How does the grant work?
Victoria’s $10.92 million Neighbourhood Battery Initiative (NBI) supports a range of neighbourhood battery models in Victoria, from feasibility to implementation. Grant programs are being delivered in stages to target funding based on lessons learnt and evolving new technology.
The initiative will help understand what role neighbourhood-scale batteries' can play in Victoria’s transitioning electricity system, and demonstrate a range of benefits for Victorian communities, energy users and electricity networks.
Key dates for round 3
- Applications open 27 February 2023
- Applications close 21 April 2023
Apply now
Round 3, Stream 1 - Business Case
Round 3, Stream 2 - Neighbourhood Battery Implementation
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Application documents
The Victorian Neighbourhood Batteries Initiatives Consultation Paper, provides an overview of consultation into this new technology uncovering stakeholder views about Victoria's opportunities and challenges associated with neighbourhood-scale batteries.
Previous rounds
- Grant Round 2 – closed, recipients announced on 31 October 2022
- Grant Round 1 – closed, recipients announced on 20 August 2022
Funded projects
NBI Round 1 – August 2021
Recipients of NBI Round 1 included 16 community, local council and industry projects across two streams:
