We’re proud to announce that we have been appointed to deliver the Powering Resilience in the Regions project, working with councils to strengthen local energy resilience right across rural and regional Victoria.
Following a comprehensive tender process coordinated by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance (CVGA) in collaboration with 10 Victorian councils, Indigo Power has been selected to design and deliver community battery solutions across 11 sites.
Indigo Power’s track record in delivering reliable, community-focused renewable energy projects was recognised by the evaluation panel as a key strength. We love delivering renewable energy projects with high community impact and have already made a strong start on this one.
The community batteries range from smaller batteries, like the 64 kWh battery at Pomonal, to larger batteries, like the 340 kWh batteries to be installed at larger council sites, and each battery will be coupled with on-site solar. The purpose of the project is to supply backup power to council sites critical for responding to emergency events, but the systems are also being designed for operation that delivers financial benefits to the battery owners on a day-to-day basis.
Indigo Power’s two project managers, Heath Shakespeare and Dena Schulz, have been travelling right across Victoria, from Gippsland to Central Victoria, inspecting sites and completing designs.
One of the sites visited was the Pomonal Hall, located in Ararat Council.
A resilient energy hub for Pomonal
The project will see a community battery installed at the Pomonal Hall, a local facility that plays a critical role during emergency events. Designed to integrate with the Hall’s existing 10kW solar PV system, the battery will provide reliable backup power during grid outages; helping ensure the Hall remains a safe, powered place for the community when it’s needed most.
The system will include a 24kW / 64kWh battery, capable of providing up to two days of backup power. During emergencies, this will allow community members to gather, charge phones and essential devices, access information, and take refuge in a dependable, powered space.
In a town like Pomonal, where bushfire and extreme weather risk is ever-present, having a resilient community energy hub can make a meaningful difference.
Local skills and long-term sustainability
Indigo Power is working closely with CVGA and local councils to build staff capability in understanding and strategically using community batteries across community buildings.
This focus on local capacity building ensures the project delivers lasting value, supporting long-term sustainability, strengthening community confidence, and delivering practical outcomes beyond the infrastructure itself.
Delivering for regional communities
The Pomonal Community Hall Battery, and the rest of the Powering Resilience in the Regions initiative is expected to be completed by mid 2026.
We look forward to working alongside CVGA, participating councils, the Pomonal community and all participating communities, to deliver a project that strengthens local resilience and puts clean, reliable energy to work where it matters most.
Powering Resilience in the Regions is supported by the Victorian Government through the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries program (Round 2).
Heath is one of our dedicated Project Managers, driving clean energy initiatives. With his experience and expertise, he empowers communities to adopt innovative technologies, working closely with energy groups, local government and industry experts.