Community group Zero Emissions Noosa is poised to take Noosa communities on an exciting next big step for renewable electricity generation.
ZEN has been successful in getting State Government funding for a project which will identify opportunities and locations for community batteries across the shire.
“With this project we believe that the Noosa region can yet again be a leader in innovation, because community batteries are being recognised for their potential to solve some of the electricity grid problems created by the rapid growth of rooftop solar,” said ZEN chair Anne Kennedy,” Ms Kennedy said.
“Of course, we want to maximise rooftop solar, but currently Australia has an electricity grid designed for one-way power flows, not the two-way flows now generated by the feed-in from the growth of rooftop solar.
“Emerging problems with grid stability are now being recognised nationally, and findings from this project will have significance right across Queensland. This project has received funding support from the Queensland Government’s Community Sustainability Action grant program, one of only 39 announced by Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Minister Meaghan Scanlon in late August.”
In her announcement, Ms Scanlon said: “These community-based organisations have been provided with up to $50,000 to help them take climate action by installing batteries, solar panels and other energy-efficient systems that will also help them reduce their power bills. The Palaszczuk Government knows communities want action on climate change, to seize the good job opportunities from renewable energy, and to take action in their own communities too.”
Geoff Acton, joint project manager of the ZEN community battery initiative, said: “We’re really excited about this ground-breaking initiative to develop a roadmap about how Noosa households and businesses can be ’powered by the sun at night’ with community batteries.
We’re delighted to be working with such high calibre partners as Yarra Energy Foundation who recently commissioned their first community battery, Power Oracle and local company The Social Deck, with other partners to be announced, and with our vibrant Noosa and hinterland communities.
“Most pleasing is the support we’ve received from locals and from a number of people who’ll volunteer on the project. We believe the roadmap will be able to be used by other communities across Queensland who want to store exported solar for use when the sun goes down.”
To find out more about the project, or register your interest, go to
zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au/community-batteries or email info@zeroemissionsnoosa.com
