The Bright Community Centre will receive an energy backup system to create a resilient hub for residents of Alpine Shire.
The installation of a 25 kW / 50 kWh battery and 10 kW solar PV system was funded as part of round two of the Victorian Government's $42 million 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program.
This project was supported by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance through their Powering Resilience in the Region project, and the Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance, wherein Council received funding alongside 10 councils across regional Victoria.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, emphasised the increasing risk to electricity infrastructure in Alpine Shire as a direct result of climate change and extreme weather events.
"We have experienced multiple storm events in recent years, resulting in extended grid outages," she said.
"With extreme weather events in the region becoming more frequent, there is a growing need for the establishment of energy resilient hubs in Alpine Shire."
Following detailed feasibility and business case work undertaken in partnership with the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance in 2024, the Bright Community Centre was identified as a suitable location for an energy resilience hub for the town and surrounding areas.
The Bright Community Centre is marked as a relief centre for potential use in times of emergency to support basic needs of community members.
The proposed system is expected to provide up to two days of backup power for critical power and lighting circuits from the battery alone, with capacity to charge from solar in island-mode to extended backup power duration if required.
Cr Nicholas said that this grant funding is an important step towards making the Bright Community Centre a more energy-efficient, resilient, and sustainable space for the community.
"We are proud to be playing a leadership role in the facilitation of local energy solutions that create long-term environment and financial benefits for the community," she said.
“The proposed neighbourhood battery system is projected to supply the community during peak demand periods with 14.11 MWh of electricity per annum and achieve an annual community greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 9 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
"Alongside other councils in regional Victoria, we are excited to be creating a robust and sustainable model for others to follow."
Batteries funded through the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program will help Victoria reach its target of at least 2.6 GW of energy storage by 2030 and 6.3 GW by 2035.
This project was funded by the Victorian Government through the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program and is generously supported by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance and Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance.