March 29th, 2025Battery storage and solar for The Mechanics Trentham
The Hepburn Shire Council has secured grant funding of $400,000 for battery storage and solar PV installation at The Mechanics Trentham.
The funding has been announced as part of round two of the state government’s $42 million 100 Neighbourhood Battery Program.
The Hepburn Shire project is being funded as part of a joint project led by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance (CVGA) in partnership with 10 councils across regional Victoria.
Hepburn Shire mayor Cr Don Henderson says that extreme weather events pose an increasing risk to electricity infrastructure in Hepburn Shire.
“The township of Trentham has experienced multiple severe storm events in recent years resulting in extended grid outages,” Cr Henderson says.
“With extreme weather events in the region becoming more frequent, there is a growing need for an energy resilient emergency relief centre in Trentham.”
Following extensive feasibility and business case work being conducted, the council had identified The Mechanics Trentham as a suitable emergency relief centre for the town and surrounding areas.
Currently, the biggest limitation to the use of the site as an emergency relief centre is the lack of suitable power generation in an emergency.
An energy backup system comprised of a 100kW/280kWh battery and additional 30kW solar PV system installed at the Mechanics Trentham has been identified as enabling the site to serve as an energy resilient emergency relief centre for locals in the event of an extended grid outage.
“The proposed system is expected to provide up to three days backup power for critical power and lighting circuits from the battery alone, with capacity to charge from solar in island-mode to extended backup power duration if required,” Cr Henderson says.
“This grant funding is an excellent step towards making The Mechanics Trentham a more energy-efficient and sustainable space for our community.
“By implementing solar and battery storage technology, we are creating long-term environmental and financial benefits while setting a strong example for others to follow.”
Story based on a Hepburn Shire media release
