City of Melbourne Council is powering ahead with its renewable energy efforts – switching on the first Power Melbourne community battery at Council House yesterday.
The Council says Power Melbourne’s innovative energy storage solution will accelerate the city’s transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030, while improving access to more affordable renewable energy for residents and businesses.
“Power Melbourne aims to deliver lower power bills and greener energy for businesses and residents in the City of Melbourne by capturing solar energy, storing it and feeding it back into the community,” said Lord Mayor, Sally Capp.
“Approximately 83% of City of Melbourne residents live in apartments, without the means to install their own solar panels. This is the next step in empowering individuals to access clean, renewable and cheaper energy.”
“Power Melbourne will accelerate the city’s transition to renewable energy, while driving new investments and creating jobs.”
“We know access to cleaner, more affordable energy is vital – and we want to make it easier for residents and businesses to access the benefits of renewable energy, no matter where they live.”
More batteries are set to be installed at Boyd Community Hub in July and Library at the Dock later this year to grow the Power Melbourne’s pilot network.
The batteries will initially be linked to a Community Benefit Fund to support local renewable projects. The pilot phase of the project will run for about 18 months and will test Power Melbourne’s local energy storage model in partnership with Origin Energy – gathering insights to inform the expansion of the battery network and future retail offerings.
With a combined capacity of 1.1MWh, the batteries will charge during the day when there is a higher proportion of renewable energy in the grid. Stored energy will then be released back into the grid when it’s needed most – helping to support the transition to renewable energy.
“We’re excited to partner with the City of Melbourne to help realise its vision to provide residents and businesses with access to more affordable energy, while supporting the transition to renewable energy,” said Executive General Manager Origin Zero, James Magill.
“We believe battery storage will play an important role in Australia’s energy transition. Power Melbourne is an innovative program, and we look forward to seeing the impact these three batteries can have as part of this trial.”
The Council says Power Melbourne will boost the city’s economy by creating new opportunities for research, industry development, education and training.
“We want to create a more sustainable future for all Melburnians – that’s why we’re working towards powering our city with 100% renewable energy by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2040,” said Environment portfolio lead Councillor Rohan Leppert.
“Our landmark Power Melbourne project will help to transition city businesses and residents to renewables – improving access to more affordable green energy.”
Each Power Melbourne battery will also be brought to life with bespoke artwork, designed by local Melbourne creatives. The first Power Melbourne battery will be adorned with ‘Let’s get energised’ by contemporary artist Mysterious Al – a reflection on the city’s urban and natural forms.
Batteries at the Boyd Community Hub and Library at the Dock will feature works by award-winning comic and printmaking artist Michael Fikaris and Amina Briggs, a young Boonwurrung/Erub/Ugar woman and emerging artist.
Power Melbourne is supported through the Victorian Government’s Neighbourhood Batteries initiative and the Australian Government Community Batteries for Household Solar program.
“We’re empowering local communities to get the most out of their local renewable energy – strengthening their energy reliability and driving down electricity prices,” said Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio.
