Hello all and thanks for tuning in for this TRPI Update Successful Battery grant funding for Phillip IslandAnnounced by Minister Ambrosio March 12th in Cowes. See the Press Release for the role these batteries will play in stabilising the grid and enabling more households & businesses to install rooftop solar. At the Minister's announcement in Cowes, on behalf of TRPI Mary Whelan spoke about the value of partnerships with the community to achieve the transition to a totally renewable energy future for Phillip Island. TRPI welcomes this grant funding from the Victorian Government to MONDO for the 7 Neighbourhood Batteries & a Poletop battery at Smiths Beach. We know from the David Coote study in 2020 that to become a totally renewably powered community we need more household & business rooftop solar and some larger solar installations, and we need more battery storage. The batteries funded by this grants are a step close to achieving our 2030 goal. Read the full report: David Coote, Analytical Engines 10/08/2020 Upcoming Events1. TRPI Clean Energy Group meeting Tuesday April 30th 9.30 - 11 am @ PICAL in Cowes Agenda
2. Community Information sessions - Phillip Island Battery project. In person- Monday May 6th at Berninneit, Cowes 6pm Light refreshments provided. More details to follow (stay tuned!) 3. Home Energy Efficiency / improve & save $$$$$ Short course, 4 Weeks at PICAL. May 21st , 28th and June 4th , Register here Following up on our Energy Mentor session in November last year, TRPI is supporting Mycelia Energy Co Operative to run a 4 session training program to help households improve their energy efficiency. Open to householders, & to volunteers who can assist others, to make modest changes in their homes, and so pay less for heating & cooling at home. See extract from Mycelia Energy Co Operative re this course: Starting in Term 2, we’ll be offering a short course at the Phillip Island Centre for Adult Learning (PICAL) covering the basics of energy literacy, an introduction to the Mycelia Energy Program, and how to talk about home energy efficiency with householders that might benefit from an assessment and upgrades. The course is open to all! Expand your knowledge, learn a new skill, discover a job pathway or volunteer opportunity! People who complete the course may wish to volunteer at their local community centre helping people to understand their energy bills, compare energy options, or participate in Mycelia’s Energy Efficiency and Upgrades Program. TRPI will offer 4 no cost places to assist households who need support to attend- Contact Mary 0408 055 867 Totally Renewable Phillip Island Needs You!!!To continue working towards our clean energy, totally renewably powered future by 2030, TRPI needs many more community members to join and assist us.
Come to the Clean Energy Group meeting on Tuesday April 30th and talk to others about your ideas for the next steps. Send us an email: [email protected] or mob 0408 055 867 / Mary Whelan.
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How Neighbourhood Batteries Empower Communities: A Deep Dive into the Future of Phillip Island4/2/2024 In the heart of Victoria, Phillip Island emerges not only as a haven for wildlife and surfers but also as a beacon of sustainable living and community empowerment through the introduction of neighborhood batteries. This innovative approach to energy management is not just a technological advancement; it represents a fundamental shift in how communities can harness and share renewable energy, creating a more resilient, sustainable, and interconnected future.
The Spark of Innovation: Understanding Neighborhood Batteries Neighborhood batteries, or community batteries, are large-scale energy storage systems strategically located within a community to store excess renewable energy generated from residential solar panels. This energy is then available for use by the community during peak demand times, such as evening hours, or whenever solar panels are not generating electricity, ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply. Lighting Up Phillip Island: The Local Impact For the residents of Phillip Island, the implementation of neighborhood batteries is a game-changer. The island's commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation makes it an ideal candidate for such a project. Here are some of the key benefits this initiative brings to the community: 1. Enhanced Energy Security and Reliability Phillip Island faces unique energy challenges due to its location and tourist-driven economy. Neighborhood batteries can provide a more stable and reliable energy supply, reducing the risk of blackouts and ensuring that both residents and businesses have access to power when they need it most. 2. Reduced Energy Costs By storing and distributing locally generated solar energy, neighborhood batteries help reduce energy costs for the community. Residents can draw from the stored energy during peak times when electricity prices are higher, leading to significant savings on energy bills. 3. Lower Carbon Footprint Phillip Island is known for its pristine natural environments and wildlife. The adoption of neighborhood batteries supports the island's green initiatives by storing clean, renewable energy, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. 4. Empowering the Community Neighborhood batteries symbolise a shift towards energy democracy, where communities have more control over their energy production and consumption. This initiative empowers residents to contribute to and benefit from local renewable energy generation, fostering a sense of community and collective responsibility towards sustainable living. The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities While the benefits are clear, the path to integrating neighborhood batteries into Phillip Island's energy system involves navigating technical, regulatory, and financial challenges. Collaborative efforts between the community, government, and industry stakeholders are essential to address these challenges, ensuring that the project not only succeeds but also serves as a model for other communities. A Brighter Future Together The introduction of neighborhood batteries in Phillip Island is more than just an energy solution; it's a step towards a future where communities are more resilient, sustainable, and interconnected. By embracing this technology, Phillip Island is not only safeguarding its natural beauty and wildlife for future generations but also leading the way in community-powered renewable energy initiatives. As we look to the horizon, the story of Phillip Island and its neighborhood batteries offers inspiration and insight into the transformative power of collective action and the potential of renewable energy to empower communities in Gippsland and beyond. |
AuthorTotally Renewable Phillip Island (TRPI) is a community-based group working towards 100% renewable and carbon neutral by 2030. Archives
April 2024
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