In 2020, Southern Otways Sustainable in partnership with the Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce successfully secured funding from the Victorian Government to undertake a study to investigate the feasibility of a neighbourhood battery for the coastal cluster of Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek and Marengo.
The study will assess the technical aspects and business case for a community battery and identify a process to distribute values to multiple beneficiaries including residents and local businesses.
The project aims to create a more reliable electricity supply for the Apollo Bay township, which will have a positive impact on local businesses and residents.
Apollo Bay has a long history of a problematic electricity supply. Frequent and unpredictable outages typically occur at times of peak demand. Outages at these critical times severely impact the earnings of affected businesses, who rely on peak tourist visitation periods for a profitable full calendar year. A neighbourhood battery could reduce grid restrictions faced by local residents who want to install rooftop solar. In addition, a battery will allow residents who already have solar to have access to energy storage without the upfront capital cost.
Mondo Power has been contracted as the consultant for this project. Since 2001 Mondo Power has been pioneering community mini-grids and regional energy hubs that empower homes and businesses to generate, manage, store and share energy.
The Colac Otway Shire Council has also provided funding for this feasibility study which is expected to be completed by July 2022.
Community feedback is a key aspect of the feasibility study and S.O.S and the ABCC are encouraging residents and business owners to subscribe to the mailing list to receive up to date information as the study progresses.
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