AusNet Services and Mondo have revealed a proposal for a new battery energy storage system (BESS) on Phillip Island – the first big battery for the island – with the aim to provide greater reliability and create opportunities for renewables.
Two community sessions have also been arranged for AusNet and Mondo to gain local feedback on the proposal.
Mondo won the right to deliver the BESS for AusNet through a competitive tender process.
The Phillip Island Community Energy Storage System (PICESS) aims to offer greater reliability in electricity supply for the island, especially during peak holiday periods, and also provide a new world of renewable energy opportunity.
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.
General Manager of Energy Services at Mondo, Jodie Hallam, believes the 10MWh Lithium-Ion Phosphate battery will form the foundation for a future energy ecosystem 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 ecosystems for customers and communities alike,” Ms Hallam said.
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.
Chair of TRPI, Mary Whelan, said, “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 per cent 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 will take place on 24 October (online forum) and 25 October (in person at Reserve/Playground, Hallway Drive, Wimbledon Heights).
