Murrindindi Shire Council has signed on as a key partner in a new project to develop an investment-ready business case for a community battery in Marysville.
The ‘Regional Greenhouse Alliance Neighbourhood Battery Investigation Project’ is one of nine projects recently awarded funding from the Victorian Government’s Neighbourhood Battery Initiative – Round 3.
The project, led by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance, Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance and Gippsland Alliance for Climate Action, in partnership with Indigo Power, will develop the business case for the community battery site in Murrindindi Shire, and 17 other local government areas across regional Victoria.
“Community batteries can provide energy storage from solar for use at peak times or at a later date,” said Murrindindi Shire Mayor, John Walsh.
“They can be particularly important during emergencies and have the potential to increase our community’s resilience to extreme weather events.
“This project is a great opportunity to understand how a community battery could benefit Marysville, and other Murrindindi Shire communities.”
Council is a member of the Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance and will play a key role in developing the business case for the project, which aligns with its strategic ambition to reduce greenhouse emissions in Murrindindi Shire to net zero by 2035, the Council said in a statement.
It says input and involvement from local community members and groups will be critical to help everyone understand the complexities and potential benefit of a community battery in Marysville.
“The Greenhouse Alliances are delighted to be working with 18 councils across regional Victoria on this exciting project,” said Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance Chief Executive Officer, Annika Kearton.
“The project will plan community batteries at sites servicing a high value community need, such as emergency shelters, places of last resort, and other critical community facilities, with a focus on exploring how to maximise benefits at different community sites.”
