Maldon Community Battery

We investigated multiple sites in Maldon and identified Adair Street as the most suitable.

We selected this site based on feedback from neighbouring properties; the visual impact and reliability benefits it would deliver for the local electricity network.

When choosing a site for a battery, we consider:

• Where a battery will provide both community and network benefits
• Places to safely connect to existing power lines
• Safe access for crews to operate and maintain the battery.
• Locations that that won’t disrupt neighbours or community areas

Ways to make the battery look visually appealing. This can include landscaping, artwork or screen

The ground-mounted battery is about the size of a small car and will consist of four cubicles (three for the battery bank and one for the controls) on a concrete base. It measures approximately 3.6 metre long, 1.3 metre deep, and 2.5 metre high.

Batteries like this are designed to withstand high temperatures, corrosion, dust, insects and humidity. It has a secure, powder-coated metal exterior and will be finished with a commissioned artwork.

Once operating the battery will not create dust and is almost silent – similar to an air conditioner.

The battery manufacturers build safety into the design of their infrastructure and test batteries to ensure any sound levels emitted meet all relevant guidelines and requirements set by the Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

During installation, there may be some dust or construction noise however our teams will minimise this as much as possible.

Yes. This battery will be built and operated in line with strict Australian standards, and our networks are monitored by 24/7 control rooms. Community batteries also emit very low electromagnetic fields (EMFs), well below national safety guidelines.

No. This battery will not provide back up during a power outage. If the local network goes down, the battery shuts off too. This is to stop electricity flowing back into a fault and creating a safety risk.

Batteries may help lower overall network costs and improve efficiency. Over time, this benefits all customers.

No. Community batteries connect to the shared local network, not individual homes.

Your solar feed-in tariff is set by your energy retailer, not by us, and isn’t affected by the battery.

Around 10–12 years. They’re monitored and maintained by our crews and replaced or upgraded as needed.

Most components can be recycled or reused, with up to 95% of valuable materials recovered.