Community group launches new neighbourhood battery, with EV charging bays

Melbourne-based not-for-profit Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) has unveiled a new neighbourhood battery in Clifton Hill, distinguished by its integration with two electric vehicle (EV) charging bays. This marks the organisation’s second operational neighbourhood battery, with a further four in development across Victoria. The project received a $750,000 grant from the Victorian government’s Neighbourhood Battery Initiative and is located outside the Collingwood Leisure Centre, serving as the first front-of-meter battery in inner Melbourne designed to work alongside public EV charging infrastructure. The Clifton Hill battery aims to explore how battery storage and EV charging can operate in tandem to ease pressure on the electricity grid, especially during peak demand periods. It encourages EV owners to charge their vehicles when solar power generation is at its highest, thereby promoting renewable energy use. YEF CEO Dean Kline highlighted the increasing strain EV charging places on the grid and emphasised the necessity for innovative solutions to avoid costly network upgrades solely to manage peak loads. Accessibility was a key consideration in the design of the EV charging bays, which feature wider parking spaces and reduced height to accommodate wheelchair users. The parking signage was developed in consultation with local residents to ensure it aligns with community preferences. Kline stressed the importance of accessible public charging infrastructure, particularly in urban areas where many residents do not have access to home charging, making such facilities vital for encouraging the transition to electric vehicles. YEF’s initiative builds on its previous success with the Fitzroy North community battery launched in 2022 and reflects a broader strategy to expand battery storage solutions across several Victorian suburbs, including Richmond, Altona, Manor Lakes, and Torquay. These projects collectively aim to enhance grid resilience, support renewable energy integration, and facilitate the growing adoption of electric vehicles in the region.