Community batteries: the new kid on the block

Chris Wallin’s slide deck

Australia has won the top spot of solar PV systems per capita and is the envy of many other nations. With that accolade comes a problem of network congestion in the middle of the day and ensuing export curtailments and zero export connection approvals for residents and businesses. While home batteries are a way to mitigate that problem, it is not available to everyone. Community batteries on the other hand offer an alternative solution that not only solves the problem but can also empower the community to become part of the solution. After an introduction of the Melbourne Solar Sponge project and YEF’s partnership with Citipower and BSGIP, Chris will explain why shared energy storage is such a great idea and reveal the opportunities it unlocks.

Format:

• 2.00 pm – Introduction by Andrew Fraser, Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program, Australian National University
• 2.05 pm – Presentation by Chris Wallin, Project Manager, Yarra Energy Foundation
• 2.40 pm – Audience Q&A
• 3:00 pm – Close

About the speaker

Chris Wallin is an experienced project manager in technical, business and financial areas. As an electrical engineer, he worked on large industrial installations from design to project handover. He also had a career in business management with Information Technology companies, and regularly volunteers with community organisations to assist in identifying and qualifying renewable energy projects.