Residents in a suburban street in Melbourne’s east will now have their homes powered by renewable energy as part of Victoria’s first mini grid trial.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio launched the trial by energy company Ausnet Services at Mooroolbark today.
The company is working with the local community to power part of Greenslopes Drive with a combination of solar panels, storage batteries and the existing electricity grid.
The Mooroolbark mini grid project will cover 16 houses with a common connection point to the grid.
The houses will generate and store their own electricity and eventually share electricity with the other houses within the mini grid.
AusNet Services will provide the houses with a solar power system, a purpose-built 10 kilowatt hour battery and the necessary control and data communication equipment.
The project will increase understanding of how a mini grid system can be managed and how it will interact with the main power grid. The trial will also provide valuable insights into residential storage batteries.
The Andrews Labor Government welcomes the Ausnet Services’ trial and supports the development of energy storage technologies and innovative projects.
The Government launched the $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund in December 2015 and is working with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to identify programs and initiatives that could support projects through the Fund.
Other renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives include:
- Using the Government’s purchasing power to source 100MW of renewable energy, which will bring forward $200 million of investment in renewable energy generation projects
- Saving the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target scheme, which supports 2,000 jobs and helps households and businesses save on energy costs with discounted energy-saving lighting and appliances
- Launching the Guide to Community-Owned Renewable Energy for Victorian Communities to help local groups develop clean energy projects
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“Local communities want a clean energy future and projects like the Mooroolbark mini grid trial are a step in that direction.”
“The findings from this Victorian-first trial will help inform how we can grow renewable energy generation in communities around the state.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020