The Indigo Power team, including board members, recently toured some of our community renewable energy projects in the Yarra Ranges Shire.
Our first stop was the Yarra Junction Community Battery. Located in a council-owned car park on the main street of Yarra Junction, the battery is now close to completion.
Indigo Power Project Manager, Dena Schulz, gave an overview of the project to the Indigo Power team and Yarra Junction Council staff. A switchboard, designed by Dena with support from local manufacturer BSSP and battery manufacturer Pixii, has been installed. The switchboard features FCAS metering, control, and the AusNet connection point for the site.
With the swithcboard now in place, AusNet are commencing works to upgrade the local network to include a new power pole and transformer. We expect site energisation and battery installation to be completed by the end of the year.
We also visited the Warburton Community Hydro facility at the Warburton Golf Club, where the Upper Yarra Community Power (UYCP) team gave us a behind-the-scenes tour.
UYCP and Indigo Power have been working together on a community battery project to optimise the revenue potential of the 100 kW hydro system. With funding now secure, planning is now underway for the integration of a 500 kWh battery. The golf club will host the battery, acting as an evacuation point during times of emergency.
The tour of the hydro facility was a great chance to see some of the incredible work being done by communities to develop local sources of renewable energy. With a community battery on site, our goal is to provide clean energy to Indigo Power customers across the evening peak. Given that the hydro facility generates most of its energy in winter, when solar output is lower, it will play a crucial role during the colder months.
It was a rewarding experience for many in the team. It is nice to see these projects up close, connecting with community members, and seeing the positive impact our collaborative work has on the region.
Thanks to Yarra Ranges Council, UYCP and the Warburton Golf Club for hosting us. We’re looking forward to some project launches in the coming months and years!
Fran is our Marketing and Communications Manager. With a keen passion for creativity coupled with a strategic mindset, she is in charge of sharing our good news and great work with the Indigo Power community.