On this page:

Free online training: Introduction to neighbourhood batteries

The Victorian Government has released online neighbourhood battery feasibility training.

This feasibility training will support you to move from concept to planning and prepare your neighbourhood battery (NB) projects. It covers topics such as:

  • business models and revenue opportunities
  • site selection
  • project management.

The online feasibility training:

  • covers content from previous NB training
  • integrates tools and templates developed for DEECA
  • converts the course into 4 one-hour online learning modules.
  • includes online Q&A sessions to address questions once you have watched the online content.

Online training

  1. Read the online pre-training materials, an overview of foundational concepts
  2. Download and open the Neighbourhood Battery Activity Book
  3. Watch session 1: Problem context and key concepts
  4. Watch session 2: Operating a BESS
  5. Watch session 3: Project implementation
  6. Watch session 4: Project development

Advanced in-person 2-day training

DEECA has engaged YEF to provide a two-day advanced NB course.

The purpose of this course is to improve the quality and maturity of NB project proposals in Victoria. The course provides you with the knowledge and capabilities to:

  • plan a NB project
  • develop a business case that enables you to pursue funding opportunities for your project.

How to book

The course will host up to 40 participants.

Book at Neighbourhood Battery Training 2-day course (February 2025) | Humanitix

When

  • 18-19 February 2025

This in-person course will be delivered over two consecutive days.

Venue

  • YEF offices (United Co co-working space)
  • 425 Smith Street, Fitzroy, Victoria

Booking assistance

If you require booking assistance, please email tim.shue@yef.org.au

Who is this training for?

The training is designed for organisations that want to deploy neighbourhood batteries in Victoria, such as:

  • industry practitioners
  • community groups
  • governments
  • businesses.

Sign up for this training if you want to apply for the third and final round (expected to open in March 2025) of the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries program.

Delivered over 2 days, the course will cover the:

  • steps towards developing a robust project plan and business case for a NB
  • fundamentals of Battery Energy Storage System components, operation, and procurement
  • process for determining whether a NB is the right solution for your circumstances
  • different value streams available to owners of NBs. This includes market participation, retail arrangements and network tariffs
  • different business/operating models, use cases, and dispatch control methods. This includes neighbourhood batteries in energy back-up systems
  • approaches to successfully communicating and meaningfully engaging with stakeholders
  • role of NBs in decarbonising the energy system
  • priorities for project management. This includes identifying relevant project partners and determining the sequencing of critical project activities.

You will also hear from expert guest speakers, including:

  • those who have delivered neighbourhood batteries (including as resilient energy-back up systems)
  • from Distribution Network Service Providers.

On the first day, you will have an opportunity to visit the Fitzroy North community battery.

Ticket pricing

Ticket types (prices including GST and booking fee):

  • Interstate general admission (interstate participants and Victorian organisations seeking more than two tickets) - $1,601.55
  • Victorian general admission (all Victorian organisations up to a maximum of two tickets per organisation) - $594.69
  • Victorian non-profit organisations (non-profits and others whose financial circumstances would otherwise preclude attendance) - $297.03*

The Victorian Government and YEF are providing significant co-subsidies for the general admission and non-profit tickets. Note these subsidised prices will only be available for a limited time.

All training materials and catering are included in the ticket.

How to access NFP pricing?

*Limited spaces are available at the Victorian Non-Profit Organisation price ($297.03).

To access this discounted ticket, please contact DEECA to confirm your eligibility: neighbourhood.batteries@deeca.vic.gov.au

Please include in your email:

  • your full name
  • the NFP organisation you are representing
  • your role in the NFP
  • what involvement your organisation has had with NB projects to date and any plans your group has for future NB implementation.

What to bring?

  • Preferred note-taking method.
  • Training is fully catered.

What pre-work do I need to do?

Pre-work required: Read the pre-training materials (~30 mins). These will be sent out to all registrants at least 5 business days prior.

Pre-work recommended:

Further tools and training resources will be shared when they become available.

Contacts

Tim Shue
Yarra Energy Foundation
Email: tim.shue@yef.org.au
Phone: +61 3 7037 6045

DEECA neighbourhood.batteries@deeca.vic.gov.au

About our trainers

DEECA engaged YEF to design and deliver the training. YEF is an independent not-for-profit organisation with a mission to accelerate the uptake of cleaner energy.

YEF has been involved in the delivery of NB projects through the Victorian Government’s Neighbourhood Battery Initiative. YEF have developed expertise working with stakeholders across the industry on a range of NB projects.

Learn more about YEF

Page last updated: 13/11/24