Newstead residents are now harnessing the power of renewable energy with a new solar and battery project up and running delivering improved energy security and lowering power bills.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio today opened the Newstead community Energy Project, which will allow the Newstead community to reach its goal of becoming 100 percent powered by renewable energy.
The Allan Labor Government invested $1.1 million towards the Newstead Community Energy Project, which includes a 3 megawatt solar farm with an onsite 5 megawatt Hour battery energy storage system. This allows excess solar power generated to be stored and used overnight and during periods of high energy consumption.
To support the successful delivery of the project Renewable Newstead partnered with the electricity energy retailer and renewable energy developer Flow Power to develop, build and connect the Newstead Energy Project.
Flow Power employed local contractors throughout the process and will support additional community benefits through a community fund.
There are now 50 solar farms across Victoria that are either fully operational, under construction, or at the commissioning stage.
The Government is also delivering 100 neighbourhood batteries across the state through the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries program. The first round is delivering 25 batteries across 20 towns, storing more than 4.2 megawatt hours of electricity, with a second round set to open soon.
Larger than a household battery but smaller than grid-scale batteries, neighbourhood batteries return power into the hands of local communities - soaking up cheap and clean renewable energy when it is plentiful and dispatching it when it is needed most.
Every neighbourhood has its own characteristics and the 100NB Program welcomes a broad range of applications from community groups, councils, businesses, developers and not-for-profits. For more information visit, energy.vic.gov.au/grants/neighbourhood-batteries.
As stated by Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio
"We're supporting regional Victoria to make the most out of the renewable energy transition. We are backing lower power bills and more reliable energy with projects like this one."
"We're empowering the Newstead community - and other communities like it - to fully harness the benefits of locally generated and stored renewable energy.
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"It's been a privilege to work with Renewable Newstead to deliver this project. Congratulations to all involved. I know the enormous benefit this will bring to the Newstead community."
