Origin Zero will partner with the City of Melbourne to deliver three battery energy storage systems, as part of its ambitious Power Melbourne project.
As part of Power Melbourne’s trial stage, the three systems — with a combined capacity of 450kW / 1MWh — will be deployed at Library at the Dock, Boyd Community Hub, and a Council House site.
The batteries will charge during the day when there is a higher proportion of renewable energy in the grid, stored energy will then be released back into the grid when it’s needed most — helping to support the transition to renewable energy.
Origin Zero was selected to install and operate the batteries following a rigorous tender process run by the City of Melbourne.
All three batteries are expected to be installed by mid-2024.
The Power Melbourne project aims to accelerate the City of Melbourne’s transition to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030, helping Council to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.
Origin Zero Executive General Manager James Magill said: “We’re excited to partner with the City of Melbourne to help realise its vision to provide residents and businesses with access to more affordable energy, while supporting the transition to renewable energy.
“Power Melbourne is an exciting and ambitious program. This first stage will see our Origin Zero team, which works with large businesses and councils, install three batteries with a combined capacity of 450 kW / 1MWh — equivalent to powering more than 70 homes each day.”
The trial is an important step on the journey towards the City of Melbourne’s goal of powering the entire city with renewable energy by 2030. It is also an opportunity for City of Melbourne to test the Power Melbourne model, gaining insights to inform the expansion of the battery network and retail offering in the future.
City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said: “Partnerships are crucial to the success of innovative projects like this — that’s why we’ve teamed up with Origin Energy to build and operate this flagship battery power network.
“Power Melbourne will benefit residents who live or work in apartment buildings and can’t install their own solar panels, while driving new investment and creating jobs.”
Power Melbourne is supported through the Victorian Government’s Neighbourhood Batteries initiative and the Australian Government Community Batteries for Household Solar program.
City of Melbourne environment portfolio lead Councillor Rohan Leppert said partnering with an established company with significant expertise will help the city navigate this innovative pilot stage of Power Melbourne with confidence.
“The pilot will inform future phases of the project — supporting our journey towards powering the city with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030.”
