Podcasts

SwitchedOn podcast: So you want to install a community battery? Try something simpler first

Published by

In the third part of our series, So you want to install a community battery?, Dr Juliette Millbank and Mathew Charles-Jones from Totally Renewable Yackandandah share insights from TRY’s first battery project, a behind-the-meter installation on a former timber mill site, and their second, which is council-owned and focused on community resilience.

TRY is a grassroots group that’s been working since 2014 to transition their Victorian town to 100% renewable energy. With their second community battery about to come online, they reflect on why batteries are not the best starting point for many communities, why deep local knowledge, strong partnerships, and early wins with simpler projects are essential before installing a community battery.

We hear why the future of community batteries lies not just in technology, but in trust, collaboration, and a clear understanding of what each community is trying to achieve.

https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2137726155

Anne Delaney is the host of the SwitchedOn podcast and our Electrification Editor. She has had a successful career in journalism (the ABC and SBS), as a documentary film maker, and as an artist and sculptor.

Anne Delaney

Anne Delaney is the host of the SwitchedOn podcast and our Electrification Editor. She has had a successful career in journalism (the ABC and SBS), as a documentary film maker, and as an artist and sculptor.

Share
Published by
Tags: Boundless

Recent Posts

Australia’s Atmos snaps up wind and solar projects as European developer retreats to core markets

Australian developer snaps up portfolio of operating and developing wind and solar projects as a…

17 October 2026

A massive 244-tonne transformer completes 2,165 km road trip to Australia’s largest solar project

A massive 244-tonne transformer has completed a 2,165 km road trip to the site of…

17 October 2026

Energy Insiders: Grid scale sodium batteries are on their way

The battery industry is about to witness another change in chemistry and technology. Valo Energy…

16 October 2026

“Just a fantasy:” Energy minister slams Opposition gas and nuclear ideas, vows to hold the line on renewables

Energy minister says imminent closure of coal is "indisputable," and "ideology-driven" policies to scrap transmission…

16 October 2026

Supplier to Australia’s biggest battery expects to announce first sodium-ion battery project soon

The supplier to the biggest battery currently being built in Australia expects to announce its…

16 October 2026

Wind projects will need help “for a while”, says new green bank boss in shift of funding priorities

The federal government green bank has dusted off an old mandate, but has not ruled…

16 October 2026