Policy

Three new Australian community batteries to form virtual power plant

Electricity from community batteries to be built by Melbourne-based Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) will be managed by Victorian electricity company Diamond Energy’s virtual power plant (VPP).

By

Ev Foley

May 02, 2025

Melbourne-headquartered not-for-profit energy transition consultancy YEF has received funding from the Australian government’s Community Batteries for Household Solar program to install three batteries in the state of Victoria.

To be located southwest of Melbourne at Altona, Manor Lakes, and Torquay, the batteries will be deployed in partnership with Victorian clean electricity company Diamond Energy, which will manage the energy stored by the community battery through its VPP.

The batteries will be installed as “front-of-meter” systems, directly connected to the local grid where nearby residential properties are also connected.

Exact locations for the batteries in each of the suburbs are yet to be finalized and will be subject to further technical assessment, landholder, and community consultation.

YEF said it will engage with communities in each of the suburbs, working closely with prospective landholders, Hobsons Bay City Council (Altona), Wyndham City Council (Manor Lakes), and Barwon Water (Torquay).

While similar to YEF’s 20 kW/309 kWh Pixii PowerShaper Fitzroy North community battery, which was installed in 2022, YEF will be exploring new ways to deliver more value to the grid and communities through the partnership with Diamond Energy.

Australia’s October 2022 federal budget provided AUD 200 million ($128 million) for the Community Batteries for Household Solar budget measure to deploy 400 community batteries across Australia. Of this, AUD 171 million was allocated to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to deliver at least 342 batteries.

From pv magazine Australia.

Written by

Ev Foley
Ev is new to pv magazine and brings three decades of experience as a writer, editor, photographer and designer for print and online publications in Australia, the UAE, the USA and Singapore. Based in regional NSW, she is passionate about Australia’s commitment to clean energy solutions.
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