The small town of Newstead in regional Victoria has taken a significant step towards energy independence with the official opening of the Newstead Community Energy Project.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio inaugurated the facility, marking a milestone in the community’s decade-long journey towards 100 per cent renewable energy.
The project, which received a $1.1 million investment from the Victorian government, comprises a 3-megawatt solar farm and a 5-megawatt hour battery energy storage system.
This innovative setup allows for excess solar power to be stored and utilised during nighttime hours and peak consumption periods, enhancing energy security and reducing power bills for local residents.
Renewable Newstead, a committee of local residents, spearheaded the initiative and partnered with Flow Power, a renewable energy developer and electricity retailer, to bring the project to fruition.
Flow Power will build, own, and operate the facility, as well as retail the generated electricity.
The Newstead project is part of a broader push for renewable energy in Victoria.
There are now 50 solar farms across the state in various stages of development and operation.
Additionally, the government is implementing the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries program, which aims to install community-scale batteries in 100 locations across Victoria.
Minister D’Ambrosio emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting regional Victoria in the renewable energy transition, stating: “We’re empowering the Newstead community — and other communities like it — to fully harness the benefits of locally generated and stored renewable energy.”
The Newstead Community Energy Project is expected to generate enough clean energy to power up to 1,000 homes, more than double the current requirements of Newstead.
This excess capacity will contribute to the broader grid, supporting the state’s renewable energy goals.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards expressed pride in the project’s completion, noting: “It’s been a privilege to work with Renewable Newstead to deliver this project. Congratulations to all involved. I know the enormous benefit this will bring to the Newstead community.”
As communities across Victoria look to reduce their carbon footprint and increase energy independence, the Newstead Community Energy Project serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved through local initiative, government support, and private sector partnership.