As the transition to renewable energy is becoming more and more progressed, Geelong Sustainability is leading the charge in progressing community batteries for Greater Geelong.
Community Batteries, which are also sometimes referred to as ‘Neighbourhood Batteries’, are a type of battery storage for energy. These batteries are bigger than a home battery and can help to power a small neighbourhood.
Geelong Sustainability has been funded by the Victorian Government Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to conduct a feasibility study around community batteries in the City of Greater Geelong region. The study results will help feed into potential future projects, funding, policies or structures for Community Batteries in this region.
As part of the feasibility Geelong Sustainability has opened a Community Battery Survey for community members to have their say about Community Batteries. The group hopes the survey will gather the community’s interest, understanding, concerns and needs in regard to Community Batteries.
Community batteries have been a central topic when discussing our transition to a zero emissions future.
“The feasibility study aims to work out how Community Batteries can benefit our community,” said Mr Cowdell.
“We know that they can support the electricity grid and enable more solar power to be connected to the grid. But what we are really interested in is the development of a model for community batteries where residents can fully utilise the batteries, storing their excess energy and drawing it back when it saves them money”
“It’s important for us to hear what the community thinks about Community Batteries, the survey will help us to understand the communities interest and attitude towards them, as well as highlighting the barriers and any concerns they may have”.
The Community Battery Survey will close on Tuesday 12th July, participants of the survey will go in the draw to win one of three $100 EFTPOS vouchers as a thank you for participating in the survey.
Geelong Sustainability will also be hosting a Community Battery Webinar on Tuesday 12th July at 7pm-8pm, which will provide the community with more information about community batteries, inform them about the findings from the feasibility study conducted as well as the outcomes from this community survey.
To participate in the Community Battery Survey and to book in for the Community Battery Webinar please visit https://www.geelongsustainability.org.au