Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Phillip Island to become first fully sustainable tourist hot spot in Australia with the installation of 5MW and 10MW batteries for renewable energyPhillip Island's bold vision to become Victoria's first fully sustainable tourist hot spot in Australia is one step closer, with plans approved for a revolutionary community energy storage system. By news@gippsland - 13th September 2022 - Back to News The Phillip Island Community Energy Storage System (PICESS) will offer greater reliability in electricity supply for the Island, especially during peak holiday periods and could potentially slash power bills, with residents able to use the grid to store their power. The Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) has given planning approval for the installation of the 5MW/10MWh battery, affectionately dubbed the Big Battery by locals, near the village of Wimbledon Heights, Phillip Island. 
The projects come amid Victoria's strong renewable energy targets, which will see 50% of electricity come from renewables by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050 Renewable energy targetsTotally Renewable Phillip Island (TRPI) and the Energy Innovation Cooperative (EI Coop) are working closely with Mondo and Bass Coast Shire Council on the project, with a vision for Phillip Island to be carbon neutral and 100% renewable by 2030. They are also working together on two other battery projects made possible by two Victorian government grants of more than $500,000 DELWP's Neighbourhood Battery Initiative. The projects come amid Victoria's strong renewable energy targets, which will see 50% of electricity come from renewables by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. The target of 25% by 2020 has already been exceeded, with renewable energy generating more than 30% of the state's electricity in 2021. Boost in electricity networkThe first grant will help determine the feasibility of a network of street level batteries on the Island to boost the ability of the electricity network to host larger volumes of renewable power on the grid. The second grant will fund a 12-month trial of 100 participants of the PICESS battery once installation is complete. It will explore cutting-edge tariff arrangements to support 'virtual storage' for people on the Island. Household generated renewable energy, for example power generated from household solar systems, would be shared through innovative tariff trial structures with other Island residents who cannot currently access renewable energy, creating a local renewable energy production and shared resource. As part of the tariff trial, the initiative will assess whether the new system will result in cheaper electricity bills by storing renewable energy in a community battery rather than property owners having to purchase their own household batteries. Improved electricity reliabilityTRPI Coordinator Zoe Geyer said what started as a concept five years ago was fast becoming a reality for the community. "This is a new energy future that benefits everyone on the Island and gives people ownership and a sense of pride. Our community has a strong vision to be totally renewable by 2030 - which is 20 years ahead of the federal and state targets." "Bass Coast Shire has answered the community call and released a Climate Change Action Plan to meet this target. The arrival of the Big Battery (PICESS) on the Island, alongside these two great explorations into community access to locally-generated renewable energy and storage, pave the way for a just transition to a sustainable future that leaves no-one behind." "Mondo General Manager Distributed Energy, Dhammika Adihetty said, "We are pleased with the progress of this important project that will provide Phillip Island residents improved electricity reliability and a new renewable energy opportunity." Ms Adihetty said. Reversing climate changeBass Coast Council has agreed to host the community battery on council land. Bass Coast Mayor Michael Whelan said the council had declared a climate emergency in 2020, and this project was one of a number of important initiatives aimed at ultimately reversing climate change. "This project proves how important climate change is to our community, and everyone who lives on Phillip Island will benefit. With the cost of living front of mind, the ability for communities to harness natural resources to produce and store power will hopefully make a real difference to household bills." "We know clean, green power is what people want, and I'm sure this project will help inspire similar schemes in other communities across Victoria." Cr Whelan said. Pictures from Bass Coast Shire website.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Phillip Island prepares for final MotoGP weekend celebrating three decades of racing, community spirit, entertainment and history
Phillip Island will host its final MotoGP from October 23-25, celebrating three decades of racing while showcasing community festivities, entertainment and the island’s motorsport legacy. - Supercars Championship returns to Phillip Island in 2027 following Victorian government multi-year contract announcement
Bass Coast Shire Council has welcomed the Supercars Championship return to Phillip Island in 2027 under a Victorian Government multi-year contract, supporting regional tourism and economic transition following MotoGP and World Superbikes departures. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges vigilance as Phillip Island penguins face H5N1 bird flu threat
Bass Coast is urging vigilance after H5N1 avian influenza was detected on Phillip Island, advising people to avoid sick or dead wildlife. Little penguins will be vaccinated as agencies coordinate efforts to protect wildlife and monitor the outbreak. - Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities. - Moe’s first women’s cricket team makes history as $11M Ted Summerton Reserve upgrade boosts regional sport and accessibility
Moe’s Ted Summerton Reserve has received an $11 million upgrade, delivering improved sporting facilities, accessibility and female-friendly change rooms ahead of the town’s first women’s cricket match. The project supported 370 jobs. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on first draft Events Strategy for future events from 27 August to 16 September 2026
Baw Baw Shire is inviting residents, event organisers and local businesses to comment on its first draft Events Strategy, open on Baw Baw Connect from August 27 to September 16, helping shape future event planning across the Shire. - Gippsland Landcare champions win Victorian awards for environmental conservation, First Nations collaboration and sustainable agriculture achievements
Two Gippsland Landcare champions have won 2026 Victorian Landcare Awards, with Moogji Aboriginal Council and Kate Mirams and Peter Neaves recognised for environmental stewardship, collaboration and sustainable agriculture. - Australia Post invests in Morwell parcel facility, boosting Latrobe City jobs, economic diversification and future growth opportunities
Australia Post has begun construction of a 10,000-square-metre parcel facility in Morwell, consolidating regional operations, supporting local jobs and strengthening Latrobe City’s economic diversification and investment opportunities. - Reliable water access drives Busch Organics' sustainable farming success and secures its fourth-generation future in East Gippsland
Busch Organics relies on Mitchell River and groundwater to sustain organic vegetable production, while soil moisture technology, sustainable practices and family farming strengthen productivity and future generations. - West Gippsland community invited to document local biodiversity during first-ever month-long West Gippy Bio-Blitz citizen science projects
West Gippsland CMA is inviting residents to join its first Bio-Blitz throughout October, documenting local plants and wildlife through iNaturalist to build a snapshot of the region’s biodiversity. - Baw Baw Australia Day Awards nominations open, recognising local heroes, organisations and events, voting is until 30 October 2026
Baw Baw Shire Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising outstanding citizens, young people, organisations and community events making contributions locally. - Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services. - Better Place Australia opens new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland amid rising community needs
Better Place Australia has opened a new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland, addressing challenges including family separation, violence, financial stress and child vulnerability. - Matt Canavan warns Australia is sleepwalking towards food crisis as population growth outpaces domestic food production
Matt Canavan has warned Australia is sleepwalking into a food security crisis, with population growth outpacing food production. He says projected shortages could affect pork, butter, eggs, apples, chicken and rice by 2040. - Baw Baw Shire Council wins Resilient Australia Award for inclusive emergency preparedness initiative supporting vulnerable communities
Baw Baw Shire Council won a Resilient Australia Award for its inclusive emergency preparedness initiative, helping vulnerable residents and children build digital skills, resilience and readiness for future disasters. - East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026. - Gippsland Water backs biochar research to transform biosolids into sustainable soil health and waste management solutions
Gippsland Water is supporting national research into converting wastewater biosolids into biochar, aiming to improve soil health, advance sustainable waste management, and assess contaminant destruction, including PFAS, through innovative recycling. - Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026. - Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band. - Labor's trade record faces $46B deterioration as fuel dependence leaves Australia increasingly vulnerable to global disruptions
Australia’s trade position has deteriorated nearly $47 billion since 2022, with a $5.1 billion deficit. Fuel imports surged 42.5 per cent, exposing Australia’s growing dependence on overseas fuel supplies and refining. - International partners visit Gippsland to explore energy diversification and regional development opportunities firsthand together
One Gippsland hosted European partners for a five-day Gippsland visit, exploring energy diversification, regional development, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, agriculture and collaboration between Australian and European regions. - Melbourne Symphony Orchestra returns to Sale after 17 years, bringing acclaimed performances and Australian premieres to The Wedge on 28 October 2026
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will return to Sale on October 28, performing at The Wedge for the first time since 2009, featuring Mozart classics and a world-premiere Australian concerto. - Councils begin planning for renewable energy growth across Wellington and South Gippsland communities
Wellington and South Gippsland councils have begun a major renewable energy planning project, backed by $4.7 million, to prepare communities for future growth through housing, infrastructure, employment, services and economic development. - West Gippsland CMA celebrates rural women’s contributions to agriculture, healthy catchments and sustainable farming futures
West Gippsland CMA celebrates rural women’s contributions through a podcast featuring dairy farmer Jess Knight, highlighting farm life, community connections, irrigation knowledge and sustainable agricultural practices shaping the region’s future. - Gippsland Water reports progress on major projects, renewable energy and community engagement commitments
Gippsland Water’s 2026 Community Report highlights progress on major infrastructure projects, achieving 100 per cent renewable energy, emergency support initiatives and increased community engagement through its Sounding Board. - Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards. - Bass Coast Council launches mobile business pilot, creating new trading opportunities across six locations
Bass Coast Council is inviting mobile businesses to apply for a 12-month trading pilot across six locations in Phillip Island, Anderson and Inverloch, with applications closing 27 November 2026.
|
|
