PRESS RELEASE: Victorian community reaches massive renewable milestone
The community of Yackandandah this week achieved a major milestone by generating over one gigawatt hour of renewable energy.
Less than eighteen months since the launch of this pioneering mini grid project the people of Yackandandah have generated enough clean, renewable energy to power over 170 homes for an entire year.
“One gigawatt hour of energy is equivalent to running the Melbourne Cricket Ground light towers for almost 3 years based on current use. An amazing achievement for the people of Yackandandah” said Dhammika Adihetty, General Manager of Business & Community Energy at Mondo.
In 2017 the picturesque town which is nestled between Victoria’s alpine region and Albury-Wodonga, became home to one of Australia’s first community mini grids – the result of a partnership between Mondo, community group Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY) and the residents of the town they affectionately call “Yack”.
The mini grid consists of almost 200 homes equipped with a combination of rooftop solar and battery storage. Each participating home is also equipped with an Ubi – a device designed and manufactured in Australia, which monitors and manages energy use and emissions at the individual household and whole community level.
Totally Renewable Yackandandah Chair, Matthew Grogan this week has said, “This 1GWh is another great milestone on our journey toward 100%. It clearly demonstrates the potential of communities working cooperatively with utilities, business and Government. Together we can achieve great things.”
Independent Federal Member for Indi Cathy McGowan, said “This trailblazing project is an important proof point, not only for Indi but for the rest of Australia, that when community, industry and government work together we can make real strides forward on achieving a reliable, renewable, affordable energy future”.
About Totally Renewable Yackandandah
Incorporated Association Totally Renewable Yackandandah is a small passionate group of locals working alongside the community of ‘Yack’ to transition the town to a 100% renewable energy target by the year 2022.
They have a clear focus on the cost saving, emission reduction and economy building potential of community owned renewable energy. Excitingly they are the impetus for an exciting range of activities including; electricity retailing, microgrids, a revolving community fund and widespread efforts to reduce electricity consumption.
Media Contact: Mr Cambell Klose 0490 436 948
About Mondo
At Mondo, we see a bright future. There have never been more options for how we use electricity, water, gas and transport. We help businesses and communities make sense of what’s possible, then plan and deliver solutions to keep everyone ahead of the rapidly changing landscape.
From connecting Australia’s renewables to the grid, to helping maintain water and gas networks or assisting regional communities achieve their energy goals, we improve the way things flow today, then seek ways to do this even better tomorrow. Because when we can help make sense of what’s possible, we think you’ll get excited about the future too.
Mondo. Bright Future.
Media Contact: Mr Rob Asselman 0419 389 686