Victoria is undergoing an energy transformation, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2045. The Victorian Government’s support for neighbourhood-scale batteries is one way it supports clean, reliable and affordable electricity for Victorians.
What are neighbourhood batteries?
Neighbourhood batteries (or community batteries) are an energy storage model with the potential to provide many benefits to consumers, communities and the electricity system. They can be owned by electricity distribution businesses or third parties such as community energy groups, electricity retailers, aggregators and private investors.
They are larger than household solar batteries. Typical household solar batteries have a power capacity of about 10 kilowatts (kW), while neighbourhood-scale batteries range from 100 kW to 5 megawatts (MW).
Neighbourhood batteries enable the network to support more rooftop solar by storing solar-generated electricity during the day and discharging it during the evenings when demand is highest. This enables consumers to generate and consume more renewable energy locally and supports Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy targets.
Neighbourhood battery projects
Victoria’s neighbourhood battery initiative (NBI) supports trials of a range of neighbourhood battery models in Victoria, from feasibility to implementation. The initiative strengthens our understanding of neighbourhood-scale batteries' role in Victoria’s transitioning electricity system.
Victoria's first ever inner urban community battery
Melbourne’s first community-owned neighbourhood battery in Fitzroy North was unveiled on 5 June 2022. The battery project was delivered through the Neighbourhood Battery Initiative. The battery will soak up excess rooftop solar and supply surrounding homes with local renewable energy.
The Yarra Energy Foundation received $800,000 from the Neighbourhood Battery Initiative for the 110kW/284kWh battery system. The battery has been decorated by a mural entitled 'Set the controls to harness the sun' by artist Hayden Dewar.
Australian National University Battery Storage Integration Grid Program
The Australian National University Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program was established in April 2018. It pioneers pathways for integrating and optimising energy storage globally in the electricity grid and markets. Visit the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program website for more information about their program and research.
Interactive map of current NBI projects
Find out more about the current NBI projects:
- Zoom into the location you are interested in. Each pin represents a project. Note that exact Stream 1 project locations are being established and are estimated by a town location or the centre of the relevant local government area.
- Select the pin to see the following information:
- Project name
- lead organisation
- grant stream
- further website information
- short project summary.
You can filter NBI projects by their grant stream or use the search function to sort by project name.