Indigo Power has launched its largest solar and battery project to date, unveiling a new community battery at the Cricket Albury Wodonga Indoor Stadium in West Wodonga.
Backed by the Victorian government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program, the “Big Community Battery” combines a 100 kW inverter with 482 kWh of storage capacity and is co-located with an existing ~98 kW solar photovoltaic system installed in 2022.
The project is designed to share renewable energy across Indigo Power’s Wodonga customer base while strengthening local energy resilience.
The initiative builds on a partnership between Indigo Power and global outdoor apparel company Patagonia.
Through an existing power purchase agreement (PPA) and Indigo Power’s energy-sharing software, solar energy generated at the stadium offsets Patagonia’s annual electricity consumption across its Australian operations.
Indigo Power Managing Director Ben McGowan said the project demonstrates the potential of collaborative energy solutions.
“We’re not just generating clean energy, we’re keeping the value local, lowering costs and building more resilient regional energy systems,” said McGowan.
“Adding battery storage takes this Cricket Albury Wodonga and Patagonia collaboration to the next level.
“Storing renewable energy at the site allows more locally generated renewable energy to be used when and where it’s needed most.”
Since its initial installation, the solar system has produced more than enough energy to cover Patagonia’s national electricity use over the same period.
The addition of battery storage enhances this capability by enabling energy to be stored, dispatched during peak demand, and shared more efficiently across the network.
The battery also delivers direct benefits to the stadium, including lower energy costs, backup power capability, and increased use of locally generated renewable energy.
Cricket Albury Wodonga Chairman Michael Erdeljac said the project is already delivering tangible community benefits.
“Reducing our energy costs means we can reinvest more into developing cricket across the region, particularly supporting pathways for junior players both boys and girls,” Erdeljac said.
“The addition of the battery takes this to the next level. It gives us greater energy security and ensures we’re making the most of the solar energy generated right here on our roof.”
Commissioned in December 2025, the battery is now fully operational and actively supporting the local energy network.
The project comes at a time when rising energy costs are placing increasing pressure on community sports organisations, with nearly 70 per cent of clubs reporting financial strain.
In response, many sporting groups are turning to renewable energy solutions to reduce expenses and improve long-term sustainability.
Joanne Bowen, CEO of Cricket for Climate, said the project reflects a broader shift within the sporting sector.
“We’re seeing real momentum as sport steps into the energy conversation,” said Bowen.
“Cricket clubs are trusted and deeply connected to their communities, making them powerful platforms for change.
“When business, government and communities come together like this, we’re not only cutting emissions, we’re helping future-proof the game with savings flowing straight back into clubs to support junior and female participation programs.”
Indigo Power said the Wodonga project highlights how community-led energy initiatives can deliver both environmental and economic benefits, while keeping value within regional communities.
