IN SHORT:
- Powercor has opened a 100kW / 290kWh community battery in Maldon to store excess rooftop solar.
- The battery will support up to 50 properties and help manage peak demand on the local network
- The project was shaped with the Maldon community and funded with support from the Australian Government
Powercor has officially opened Maldon’s new community battery in a moving ceremony on Wednesday.
The ground-mounted 100kW/290kWh battery in Adair Street will store excess rooftop solar from nearby homes and help supply up to 50 nearby properties during peak demand periods.
Local artist Daikota Nelson created the battery’s striking artwork, Harmony Journey, which the community chose through a selection process that attracted around 300 votes. The design reflects the deep cultural and environmental connections of Maldon and Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
Chair of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation Bec Phillips joined visiting Powercor teams, Mt Alexander Shire councillors and employees and Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters for the opening ceremony.
Powercor Head of Network Program Management Andrew Bailey said the battery’s development had been a true partnership between Powercor and the people of Maldon.
“Maldon has shown itself to be one of the most engaged communities we’ve ever seen in any project we’ve done, and we couldn’t have delivered this battery without you,” Mr Bailey said.
“In simple terms, this battery provides a place for local solar to be stored during the day, helping free up space on the local network during peak times.
“It’s going to benefit every customer connected to that part of the local network, whether they have solar or not.”
More than 40% of all homes in Maldon’s 3463 postcode have rooftop solar, well above the Powercor network average of just over 30%.
Powercor will operate and maintain the battery as part of its network operations, helping keep power safe and reliable for the people of Maldon.
Powercor announced the Maldon Community Battery project in 2023 and jointly funded the project with assistance from the Australian Government’s Community Batteries for Household Solar Program.
Why this matters
Maldon has one of the highest rates of rooftop solar in the Powercor network. This battery helps make better use of that local energy while maintaining reliability for the community.
About the battery
A community battery acts like a large battery for your neighbourhood and connects directly to local powerlines.
During sunny days, solar panels on roofs often produce more electricity than homes can use immediately. This excess solar energy gets stored in the community battery instead of being wasted.
When the sun sets and customers need more power, the battery supplies this stored solar energy back to local homes.
People with solar panels and those without can benefit from the clean energy collected throughout the day.
The Maldon battery is sized at 100kW/290kWh.
The ground-mounted battery is about the size of a small car and will consist of four cubicles (three for the battery bank and one for the controls) on a concrete base. It measures approximately 3.6 metre long, 1.3 metre deep, and 2.5 metre high.
Batteries like this are designed to withstand high temperatures, corrosion, dust, insects and humidity.
At the end of the battery’s life, around 10-12 years, most components can be recycled or reused, with up to 95% of valuable materials recovered.
About the artwork
Harmony Journey is a visual depiction of interconnectedness, it illustrates how diverse elements can coexist and thrive in shared spaces.
The mural invites the community to contemplate the beauty of unity and collective growth through vibrant colours and dynamic everchanging forms. Each component depicts unique variants of voice, story and culture, contributing to a rich history that celebrates diversity and encourages sharing space.
Powercor hosted a selection process for the artwork, both online and in person at the Maldon farmers market, with around 300 votes received.
About the location
The battery’s location in Adair Street, opposite the Maldon Hospital, was selected after more than two years of conversations with the community.
Powercor looked at three network locations that would benefit from a battery and spoke with nearby residents and businesses near each location.
Those were in Parker Street, Steele Street and Adair Street, with Adair Street receiving no objections from nearby residents.
