Funding secured for battery storage & solar at The Mechanics Trentham

Published on 12 March 2025

Hepburn Shire Council is proud to announce that we have been successful in securing grant funding of $400,000 for a battery storage and solar PV installation at The Mechanics Trentham.

The funding was announced as part of round two of the Victorian Government’s $42 million 100 Neighbourhood Battery Program, with the Hepburn Shire project being funded as part of a joint project led by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance (CVGA) in partnership with 10 councils across regional Victoria.

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said 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. With extreme weather events in the region becoming more frequent, there is a growing need for an energy resilient emergency relief centre in Trentham,” said Cr Don Henderson.

Following extensive feasibility and business case work being conducted, The Mechanics Trentham was identified by Council as a suitable emergency relief centre for the town and surrounding areas. Currently, the biggest limitation to the use of this 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 will future-proof this site as an energy resilient emergency relief centre and create a community energy hub for residents of Trentham and surrounding townships to access 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.”

“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,” said Cr Don Henderson.

Council is grateful to the Victorian Government for their support and looks forward to the successful completion of this project, which will deliver lasting benefits for the community and the environment. It would also like to acknowledge the support of the CVGA for its continued support of Hepburn Shire and sustainability initiatives in our region.