Residents and small businesses in the City of Melbourne could be among the first in Victoria to enjoy more affordable energy through a neighbourhood battery initiative.
We are embarking on an ambitious battery storage and renewable electricity project set to deliver cheaper power while reducing emissions and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said Power Melbourne will build a neighbourhood-scale battery network and retail electricity offering, to enable more affordable renewable energy for consumers.
‘Renewable energy backed by battery storage presents exciting opportunities not only for emissions reductions, but also for job creation and the local economy,’ the Lord Mayor said.
‘This is all part of our commitment to power Melbourne with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2040.
‘Through Power Melbourne we want to lead the way and create a replicable model that can be used across Victoria and the country.’
Modelling from the Australian Energy Market Operator shows small to midscale battery capacity in Victoria is projected to increase by 844 per cent over the next decade, while the use of brown coal is projected to shrink by 79 per cent.
The City of Melbourne is partnering with RMIT University and University of Melbourne on the Power Melbourne project.
Work is underway to identify suitable locations to install battery assets across the municipality, taking into account network needs and community benefits.
We have received funding to support a technical feasibility study through the Victorian Government’s Neighbourhood Battery Initiative.
It comes as the City of Melbourne’s efforts to tackle climate change and reduce emissions have been recognised with an A-grade rating by global environmental impact non-profit CDP.
The A-grade rating is presented to cities with ambitious emissions reduction and renewable energy targets and a demonstrated climate action plan. Less than 10 per cent of cities have achieved the prestigious A-grade rating.
‘Since declaring a climate and biodiversity emergency, we’ve worked tirelessly to transition our city to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly place,’ the Lord Mayor said.
‘Through Power Melbourne, and our past successes with the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project, we’re encouraging the adoption of renewables and the acceleration of emission reductions to make Melbourne a leader in sustainability for decades to come.’
For more information, visit Sustainability.
