In October 2022, the Federal Government allocated $200 million for the Community Batteries for Household Solar program, and the Yarra Junction community was selected to install a pilot community battery. Meet YARRA01.
Managed by Indigo Power with support from Yarra Ranges Council and Ausnet, YARRA01 will store surplus energy produced during the day and then release it back into the grid late in the afternoon when it is needed. The power grid was originally designed for households to receive electricity, but not export it, and the community battery will now allow households to use the solar energy they’ve produced in a way that benefits the community.
Healesville CoRE has supported the application since its inception and attended the launch on Tuesday 11 March, along with several other members of the Healesville community. Our organisation is of course a strong supporter of local community renewable energy and has assisted with community engagement and awareness raising. We will continue to campaign for a future community battery to be installed in Healesville.
YARRA01 will help make the grid more reliable and ensure that everyone in Yarra Junction and surrounds, not just those with solar, can share in our renewable energy future.
