Yackandandah is one step closer to being powered by 100 per cent renewable energy with a new community battery and microgrid, made possible by more than $550,000 from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today officially opened Totally Renewable Yackandandah’s Community Battery and the Twist Creek Microgrid.

The Community Battery project, which includes 65kW solar panels and a 274kW battery system installed by TRY and Indigo Power, will power up to 40 Yackandandah households.

The Community Battery is Victoria’s first behind-the-meter, community-owned solar and battery system, capable of providing clean energy to local customers during the day and into the evening.

The Project received $171,000 from the Victorian Government’s New Energy Jobs Fund and was a test case for Sustainability Victoria’s sustainable financing mechanism, receiving an additional $100,000 grant to guarantee a social impact loan provided by local bank WAW Credit Union.

The Minister also opened the Twist Creek Microgrid, which had received $380,000 from the Victorian Government’s Microgrid Demonstration Initiative.

Solar panels, low-emission hot water services and batteries have been installed in nine homes in the bushfire-prone area giving the households cheaper, more reliable and resilient power.

Microgrids ensure that bushfire-prone communities are well-prepared and have access to power in all circumstances.

These investments build on the Public Virtual Powerplant, which was opened in 2018 and saw the Government help install rooftop solar panels on 10 community buildings in and around the township.

The Government’s investment in these new community-based renewable energy projects is giving more Victorians access to clean, affordable and reliable energy while making sure local economies benefit from the boom in renewable energy and the jobs it is bringing to Victoria’s regions.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Totally Renewable Yackandandah and Indigo Power are setting a great example with their ambitious targets and work to get Yackandandah on 100 per cent renewable energy by the end of next year.”

“Projects like these show the community is keen to embrace renewables. This grassroots enthusiasm is so important as Victoria works to halve its emissions by 2030.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“The Yackandandah community working together to generate clean, reliable and affordable power that boosts local economies and creates jobs.”