Phillip Island Community Battery

The Victorian Government is investing in 100 neighbourhood-scale batteries across the state through the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries (100NB) Program. In the first round of funding, $2.1 million was awarded to Mondo to install, maintain and operate 7 batteries (each 100kW/250kWh) on Phillip Island. Mondo will contribute the remainder of the project costs. 

Mondo is an energy services company based in Melbourne and is a commercial subsidiary of AusNet. Mondo has been working with Victorian communities to help them achieve their renewable energy goals. Mondo has been pioneering community energy projects since 2017, including microgrids, virtual power plants, Stand Alone Power Systems and energy resilience solutions.

Recent projects include the Phillip Island Community Energy Storage System (PICESS), which was commissioned in 2023. 

Victoria’s energy grid was originally designed for a one-way flow of power, moving energy from where it’s made to where it’s needed. Rooftop solar generation, and other renewable power generation, needs a more dynamic, two-way flow of electricity. To maintain a stable electricity supply and to harness as much renewable energy as possible, we need more storage at the network, district, neighbourhood, and property levels. 

The batteries will be buying and selling energy on the wholesale energy market, similar to your electricity retailer, typically charging from the grid during the day with solar energy and storing this energy until it is needed in the evening or early morning, when demand is high, and renewable energy supply is limited. 

The batteries will be part of the energy grid and will charge from locally generated solar and the energy available from the wider network to support high evening or seasonal demands at Phillip Island. 

Essentially the batteries will not prevent outages.   

The batteries will function to improve the local network’s ability to absorb excess solar energy during the day and export during periods of higher demand. The batteries will not operate or provide back-up power during an outage. However, by storing excess solar the batteries may help address challenges associated with summer peak loads. 

Mondo is currently working with Bass Coast Shire Council to determine if one or more of the batteries could be installed at significant Council buildings to provide back-up power during an outage. 

The specific battery locations have not yet been finalised. The criteria for selecting battery locations include the consideration of  

• The existing and expected solar generation. 
• Suitable electrical connection points. 
• Accessible, appropriate, safe and available land that supports the community’s needs.  

No, your personal electricity plan and your choice of energy retailer will not be impacted. 

The batteries do emit some noise when charging or discharging power, predominantly caused by the cooling system, similar to a reverse cycle air conditioner. 

The batteries will adhere to Environment Protection Authority (EPA) requirements and extra noise reduction methods will be used if needed. Noise levels will be assessed following the installation of the batteries. 

The batteries are around the size of 2 to 3 refrigerators standing together. The expected overall footprint will be approximately 5 metres by 3 metres however this may vary slightly from site to site due to specific locational requirements. 

Each battery’s energy capacity will be 250kWh. This is suitable for the size of transformers found on the local grid. 

The batteries will be strategically located in areas with substantial local solar generation. If there is any shortfall of locally generated solar energy, the battery will be charged from solar or other generation sources on the grid. 

Yes, they are safe. Mondo will select quality, proven, utility grade storage solutions to ensure the community’s safety. The batteries will utilise the stable lithium-ion phosphate (LiFePo4) battery chemistry, have multiple protection systems and remote monitoring. Mondo is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and vegetation management around the batteries. 

Mondo has reviewed available battery solutions and has selected a suitable storage technology to meet the 100NB project requirements to deliver the best overall safety, value for money and performance outcomes. 

The expected operational life for each battery is approximately 15 years, depending on the number of charge/discharge cycles. Mondo will maintain and monitor the batteries to maximise life. 

It is unknown what the energy landscape will look like at the end of the batteries expected life. However, circular economy practices continue to evolve to provide responsible options to reuse or recycle end-of-life batteries. Once the batteries do reach end of life, a decision will be made by Mondo with the local council on how best to remove, re-purpose or recycle them. 

A number of battery solutions that are manufactured in Australia are being considered. Wherever possible, Mondo will ensure that the battery solution utilises as many locally sourced components as possible. 

Local emergency services will be briefed on the batteries and their specific locations. If required, emergency services will follow their procedures on managing incidents. 

Neighbourhood-scale batteries are classified as minor utility installations under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and do not typically require a planning permit. However, each site will be considered by Mondo and the Council with regard to overlays, specific values, heritage considerations, proximity to neighbours, and high tide levels. 

Mondo is working closely with the Bass Coast Shire and Totally Renewable Phillip Island (TRIPI) to develop a fund arrangement that is fair and transparent. The fund is intended to support community renewable energy projects. 

Mondo’s Phillip Island 100NB project page will have up to date information on the project and will be updated as the project progresses.. 

Our community project partner TRPI will provide updates on their newsletter page.