Phillip Island steps toward renewable energy resilient future

AusNet Services and Mondo are pleased to announce a proposal for Phillip Island's first battery energy storage system and invite the community to attend sessions to hear about the exiting new proposal on Sunday 24 and Monday 25 October.

The Phillip Island Community Energy Storage System (PICESS) will offer greater reliability in electricity supply for the Island, especially during peak holiday periods and also provide a new world of renewable energy opportunity.

AusNet is focussed on innovative new technologies to provide network reliability and resiliency for communities. Mondo won the right to deliver this innovative solution for AusNet through a competitive tender process.

Under this proposal AusNet Services and Mondo are working with community groups Totally Renewable Phillip Island (TRPI) and the Energy Innovation Cooperative (Cooperative) to understand how a community battery will create value for the residents of Phillip Island.

Jodie Hallam, General Manager of Energy Services at Mondo, believes the10MWh Lithium-Ion Phosphate battery will form the foundation for a future energy eco system of locally generated electricity.

"Mondo is excited to be supporting the co design of the future of energy for the residents of Phillip Island and believe in the value of distributed energy resources to support the creation of new energy eco-systems for customers and communities alike," said Ms Hallam.

The Victorian Government has also awarded the Cooperative, in partnership with TRPI and Mondo, up to $550,000 in grants through the Neighbourhood Battery Initiative grant program, to conduct feasibility studies and trials. The first grant will investigate the installation of up to ten street level low voltage batteries to further stabilise the Island's power and increase the electricity networks capacity to host renewable energy. The second funding stream will trial ways electricity tariffs can be used in combination with the PICESS to provide locals 'virtual storage.' Both initiatives will include a substantial community outreach program to seek diverse views on community energy and will be the basis for future innovations.

Mary Whelan, Chair of TRPI said "The announcement of this battery is thrilling for the member groups of Totally Renewable Phillip Island. It is terrific to see our plans and targets take shape, and we are looking forward to cooperatively uncovering the ways the battery being introduced by AusNet and Mondo, can turbo charge our sprint toward 100% renewable energy."

Bass Coast Shire Council has also taken a key role in working with Mondo, reviewing suitable options for battery sites.

Community information sessions

Sunday 24 October:
11:00am - 12:00pm online forum. Sign up on eventbrite here.
1:00pm to 3:30pm In person at Reserve/Playground - Hallway Drive, Wimbledon Heights

Monday 25 October:

9:00am to 12:00pm in person at a Marquee at the Cowes Woolworths Supermarket forecourt - Thompson Ave

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