Maldon community battery opened

• 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.