Yackandandah Commemorates the Introduction of Its Second Community Battery, Yack 02
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Quick Read
- Yackandandah unveils its second community battery, Yack 02, strengthening local energy resilience.
- The initiative aligns with Victoria’s ambition for a decentralized energy grid.
- Yack 02, situated at Yackandandah Sports Park, boasts a 60kW/200kWh battery system.
- The battery operates in conjunction with a 63kW rooftop solar array for eco-friendly energy storage.
- Community-led project supported by Totally Renewable Yackandandah and Indigo Power.
- The effort is endorsed by the Victorian Government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program.
A Step Toward a Decentralized Energy Future
The Yack 02 battery plays a crucial role in Victoria’s movement toward a decentralized energy grid. Backed by the Victorian Government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program, this effort seeks to modernize the state’s energy framework by deploying community-level energy storage solutions. These batteries capture surplus solar energy produced from local rooftop installations, alleviating grid congestion, decreasing energy expenses, and empowering communities to utilize clean, renewable energy.
By harnessing excess solar energy throughout the day, Yack 02 guarantees power availability during high-demand evening hours and, importantly, during grid failures. This functionality benefits Yackandandah residents while also aiding in stabilizing the broader energy network, minimizing the necessity for costly grid enhancements.
Yack 02: Technical Specifications and Features
Located strategically at the Yackandandah Sports Park, an essential community center, Yack 02 is intended to deliver dependable power during emergencies. Its primary specifications include:
- Location: Yackandandah Sports Park
- Battery System: Pixii 60kW/200kWh Battery Energy Storage System, using Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) technology for increased safety and durability
- Solar Integration: Combined with a 63kW rooftop solar array mounted on the sports park facilities, ensuring the battery is charged with locally sourced renewable energy
- Blackout Protection: Equipped with “islanding” functionality, enabling the battery to detach from the grid during outages and supply power to the sports park, preserving essential community functions
Building on Yack 01’s Success
Yackandandah’s path initiated with Yack 01, its inaugural community battery, which commenced operation in July 2021 at the historic sawmill site, now occupied by the Agency of Sculpture. Yack 01 offers a capacity of 100kW/274kWh and is linked to a 65kW solar array featuring bi-facial panels to optimize energy capture. This groundbreaking project validated the feasibility of behind-the-meter community battery solutions in Australia, paving the way for Yack 02.
The achievements of Yack 01 delivered crucial insights and assurance for the community to broaden its energy storage capabilities. Collectively, the two batteries form a robust, localized energy ecosystem that maximizes the utilization of Yackandandah’s plentiful rooftop solar, with over 60% of residences in the town now fitted with solar panels.
A Community-Driven Renewable Revolution
The primary catalyst behind Yackandandah’s renewable energy success is Totally Renewable Yackandandah, a volunteer-driven organization committed to securing 100% renewable energy for the town. The launch of Yack 02 illustrates the community’s dedication and collaborative ethos.
“This is an incredible milestone for the Yackandandah community. The Yack 02 battery will be crucial in our journey toward 100% renewable energy, and it exemplifies what can be accomplished when we unite,” stated Matthew Charles-Jones, president of Totally Renewable Yackandandah.
The partnership between Totally Renewable Yackandandah, Indigo Power, local councils, and installers such as KDEC Solar and Electrical underscores the value of community-led efforts bolstered by strategic government support.
A Blueprint for Australia’s Energy Future
With Yack 01 and Yack 02 now functioning, Yackandandah is not only decreasing its carbon footprint but also establishing a resilient, self-sustaining energy system. The town’s innovative model serves as an example for other communities in Australia seeking to transition to renewable energy while ensuring energy security during outages.
As Yackandandah continues to set a precedent, its community batteries showcase the transformative potential of localized energy solutions. For additional information on this inspiring initiative, visit https://totallyrenewableyack.org.au/.
Summary
The introduction of the Yack 02 battery by Yackandandah signifies a major milestone in the town’s renewable energy journey. This new addition boosts local energy resilience, supports Victoria’s decentralized energy grid goals, and highlights the strength of community-driven renewable initiatives. The collaboration among Totally Renewable Yackandandah, Indigo Power, and the Victorian Government establishes a benchmark for other Australian communities striving for sustainable energy solutions.
Q: What is the Yack 02 battery?
A: Yack 02 is the second community battery in Yackandandah, Victoria, designed for storing excess solar energy and providing power during blackouts.
Q: Where is Yack 02 located?
A: It is found at the Yackandandah Sports Park.
Q: What are the technical specifications of Yack 02?
A: Yack 02 features a Pixii 60kW/200kWh Battery Energy Storage System and integrates with a 63kW rooftop solar array.
Q: How does Yack 02 contribute to energy resilience?
A: It captures surplus solar energy, ensures power availability during peak periods and outages, and alleviates grid congestion.
Q: Who are the key partners in the Yack 02 project?
A: The project is a joint effort between Totally Renewable Yackandandah, Indigo Power, local councils, KDEC Solar and Electrical, and the Victorian Government.
Q: How does Yack 02 fit into Victoria’s energy strategy?
A: It corresponds with the Victorian Government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program, aimed at modernizing the state’s energy infrastructure.
