A community battery is set to be built in Brimbank to help lower household electricity bills, reduce emissions and deliver reliable renewable energy for local residents.
Brimbank council’s bid to build a community battery was given the green light on May 15, as part of the federal government’s Community Batteries for Household Solar program.
Brimbank council will receive $500,000 in the first round of grant funding to install a 500 kilowatt-hour community battery, which will store renewable energy generated during the day for distribution in the evening when energy is more expensive.
Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino welcomed the announcement and said Brimbank council was a worthy recipient of the funding.
“Brimbank was the first council in Melbourne’s west to adopt a Climate Emergency Plan,” he said.
“The council also has a strong track record of energy efficient innovations. In an Australian first, it has built an all-electric aquatic centre at the new Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre.
“And since July 1, 2021 all council buildings, sports grounds, community venues, leisure centres and streetlights have been powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity.
“The rising cost of energy is affecting many communities, but particularly Brimbank, which is an economically disadvantaged area, so residents stand to reap significant financial benefits that will flow from this investment in a community battery.”
Work will now begin to formalise the battery location, engage with the local community and to start works in the coming months to plug the battery into the grid.
Information: www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/renewable/community-batteries
Hannah Hammoud
