Funding Win for Battery Project
Published on 19 October 2023
The Rural City of Wangaratta is delighted to announce its pivotal role as a key partner in an innovative project paving the way for an investment-ready community battery in Wangaratta.
The ‘Regional Greenhouse Alliance Neighbourhood Battery Investigation Project’ was one of nine projects to be awarded funding through the Victorian Government’s Neighbourhood Battery Initiative - Round 3, announced by Minister D’Ambrosio on Monday 28th August.
This collaborative project is led by Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance, Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance, and Gippsland Alliance for Climate Action, in partnership with Indigo Power. Together they will develop a robust business case for a single community battery site in Wangaratta and 17 other local government and Alpine Resort areas throughout regional Victoria.
“The Greenhouse Alliances are delighted to be working with 18 councils across regional Victoria on this exciting project. 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”, said Annika Kearton, Chief Executive Officer of the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance.
As a member of the Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance (GMCA), the Rural City of Wangaratta will work alongside other GMCA members, including Alpine Shire Council, Murrindindi Shire Council, Strathbogie Shire Council, Alpine Resorts Victoria, and the Rural City of Benalla, to develop a comprehensive business plan for the project.
The Rural City of Wangaratta thanks the Victorian Government for supporting this innovative regional project which will run from September 2023 to August 2024.
This initiative holds the promise of substantial benefits for Wangaratta and the broader region. A community battery can play a pivotal role in enhancing energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring a more sustainable future for our community.