Victoria launches string of small batteries to store solar, slash power bills on Phillip Island

Half-a-dozen community-scale batteries have been officially launched on Phillip Island, off Victoria’s southern coast, as part of the state Labor government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program.

State energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio and was on hand last Friday to officially open the six batteries, which are being delivered across the island in a partnership between Mondo Energy, Bass Coast Shire Council, and Totally Renewable Phillip Island.

A total of seven neighbourhood-scale batteries are being built across the island with a combined 900 kilowatts (kW) and 1,845 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of storage capacity.

Five batteries have already been built along the Cowes foreshore area, with a sixth to come soon. A seventh battery has also been built in Wimbledon Heights, in the centre of the island.  

Designed to soak up renewable energy during the day when generation is at its cheapest and deliver it back to local households when it is needed most, the batteries will be of particular value on Phillip Island in improving energy resilience and helping facilitate the addition of more solar to the island’s energy grid.

The Victorian government expects the seven batteries to generate thousands of dollars in energy savings for Phillip Island locals as well as additional income to go towards a Community Fund which provides annual donations over 15 years to support further projects that help the community.

“Our 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program is helping community organisations capture and store clean, free renewable energy for the benefit of all Victorians,” said Lily D’Ambrosio.

“Victoria is the home of batteries and we’re making sure places like Phillip Island are powered up with cheaper, cleaner energy for local families and communities.”

The 100 Neighbourhood Batteries program currently supports 90 batteries across Victoria which in turn support an array of community organisations, non-profits, places of worship, and public entities with their energy bills and access to renewable energy.

Round 3 of the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program is currently open, with applications set to close on Monday 15 September. For more information on the program and to apply, click here.