Victoria has opened applications for the second round of its 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program. 

The initiative aims to enhance local energy resilience and help reduce energy costs, particularly for vulnerable households in outer suburbs and regional areas.

The program, now expanded to include energy backup systems, supports the installation of neighbourhood batteries combined with solar panels, generators, and management systems. 

These systems are designed to ensure communities can maintain an independent power source during emergencies such as storms, providing the capacity to cook meals, charge devices, and access critical information. 

A key feature of this round is increased funding, with up to $400,000 available per project. 

Neighbourhood batteries are an emerging solution that stores surplus renewable energy when it is abundant and releases it when demand peaks. 

These systems, larger than individual household batteries but smaller than grid-scale batteries, allow local communities to manage and benefit from their renewable energy.

The program's expansion includes a focus on energy resilience, prioritising communities most in need of lower energy costs, particularly those in low-income or vulnerable groups. 

Applicants from various sectors, including community groups, councils, businesses, developers, and non-profits, are encouraged to apply. 

The minimum size for batteries is set at 20kW/40kWh, while the maximum reaches 5MW/20MWh.

The first round of the $42 million program funded 25 batteries across the state, and this round is expected to provide further opportunities for localised energy solutions. 

The application process is supported by a Project Readiness Assessment Tool, helping potential participants determine whether the battery solution is suitable for their community.

More information is accessible here.