Energy Smart Buildings and Infrastructure

What is a Virtual Energy Network (VEN)?

A VEN is a decentralised energy system that shifts the way in which energy is managed from the traditional generator → retailer → consumer model to a model that allows end-user control over how energy is sourced, generated, stored and distributed between participating sites.

How does it work?

Through a digital platform (Enosi Powertracer), a VEN enables participants to share solar through the existing electricity grid for an agreed price. Solar producers (generators) can sell surplus energy at favourable rates, while consumers (off-takers) can access locally generated solar energy at competitive prices.

Key features include:

• Peer-to-peer trading of solar across sites within a customer portfolio (e.g. between Council sites)
• Third-party trading for shared value with external participants (e.g., other councils or community groups, low-income housing providers)
• Battery integration for load shifting and virtual power plant (VPP) capabilities

Why are we exploring this and how can it be applied to operations?

Behind-the-meter solar is now recognised as the cheapest form of energy available. Operating a VEN further increases the value of solar, enabling the Shire to achieve greater cost savings, improve the case for new solar and storage, and enhance resilience to climate change and energy market volatility.

This approach aligns with:

• Strategic objective to improve financial sustainability and asset performance
• Value presented through cost-effective electrification of buildings and fleet
• Importance of addressing resilience of local energy systems
• Council’s legislated responsibility to act on climate change

For more information visit Deakin University | Energy sharing research study | Virtual Energy Network

Our Pilot

The Shire, in partnership with ReThink Sustainability, undertook a 12-month, 30-site pilot to assess the feasibility of a VEN to deliver triple bottom line benefits across its operations. The pilot served to inform a value proposition, which modelled outputs of VEN implementation inclusive of portfolio-wide solar build-out.

Key Findings:

• Proof of Concept: Demonstrated technical viability of peer-to-peer, third-party trading, battery scheduling, and load shifting via the Enosi platform
• Operational Cost Savings: VEN Stage 1 implementation is projected to deliver significant organisational savings over system lifetime, provided agreeable retail contracts are available
• Environmental Benefits: Modelling shows solar self-consumption and VEN solar-trading can reduce year one emissions by an estimated 813 tonnes CO₂e
• Social & Strategic: The VEN can enhance energy resilience and reduced exposure to volatile retail markets. Additionally, it supports electrification and a transition away from dependency on fossil fuels
• Risk Management: Identified implementation risks can be controlled through strategic procurement, a staged roll-out, maintaining energy contract flexibility, and ongoing expert oversight

The Shire is offering a co-funding program designed to promote uptake of solar for community groups and commercial tenants of Shire-owned buildings. This program aims to help overcome the barrier of prohibitive installation costs while helping our tenants to reduce their energy bills and support the uptake of renewable energy.

What is it and how will it work

The Shire works with eligible tenants to assess suitability of solar on their tenanted facility. If deemed suitable, the tenant will be presented a design proposal at which point they will have the opportunity to opt-in to the program through a formal agreement.

Under this agreement, the Shire will pay all upfront costs of system installation and manage construction from start to finish. Once operational, the Shire will bill the tenant pre-determined, interest free, repayment fees until system costs have been fully reimbursed. Reimbursements will be calculated so as not to exceed the expected annual savings resulting from the initiative (bill reductions) – this means that the tenant should be saving money from day one in a ‘cost positive’ arrangement.

Once costs have been fully recovered, participating tenants will enjoy 100% of the financial benefits associated with the initiative.

For more information or to discuss eligibility contact climatechange@mornpen.vic.gov.au

In addition to our Environmentally Sustainable Design Policy, which ensures all new or replacement light fittings are energy efficient LED technology where fit for purpose products exist, the Shire has managed several standalone lighting upgrade projects. These result in significant building and infrastructure decarbonisation as well as savings to rate payers.

Highlights:

Stage 1 Streetlight Upgrade Project: Minor Roads – This project saw the upgrade of over 10,000 mercury vapour streetlights to energy efficient LED equivalents on the municipal road network, reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by over 3,000 tonnes and reducing annual operating costs by over $1 million.

Stage 2 Streetlight Upgrade Project: Major Roads – 2024-25 upgrade of approximately 3,600 streetlights on major municipal roads. Estimated emission savings of 22,000-26,000t avoided CO2-e over project lifetime make this one of the most significant pathways to reducing the Shire’s emission portfolio.

Bulk LED Lighting Upgrade Project: Shire Buildings – Completed in 2021, this project saw the upgrade of 1,821 fittings at 102 sites including halls, community centres, amenity blocks, and public lighting areas. This resulted in 280t of avoided CO2 e per annum.

Buildings Contract LED Upgrade Program – This program has seen the replacement of approximately 3,000 fittings with LED equivalents at 11 major Shire buildings.

The Shire supports its electric vehicle network with a portfolio of electric vehicle charging stations consisting of a combination of 7kW and 22kW AC chargers. 

In addition, the Shire works with private industry and government bodies to identify opportunities to promote uptake of zero-emission vehicles in the community. This includes input into the South East Councils Climate Alliance (SECCA) Electric Vehicle Charging Roadmap, and facilitation of public fast-charging infrastructure at major activity hubs such as those installed at Sorrento, Dromana, Hastings, Flinders & Mornington. 

Find out more click here 

Council is committed to improving sustainability across all operations. As part of this commitment, we are working to electrify gas assets in Council facilities, replacing outdated gas systems with modern, efficient electric alternatives. 

This initiative includes: 

Electrification enables: 

By transitioning away from gas, Council is reducing costs, emissions, and setting an example for the community.  

The Shire’s new partnership with not-for-profit Australian Photovoltaic Institute (APVI) means Peninsula residents and businesses can gain access to SunSPOT – a free and secure online tool designed to help you understand the solar potential of your home or building.

The Shire’s ESD Policy for Council Buildings and Civil works outlines the objectives and requirements for all Council projects, including new, refurbishment and renewal buildings, roads and open spaces. To find out more about the current implementation of this Policy.

Environmentally Sustainable Design

These case studies are examples of Shire projects decarbonising our buildings and infrastructure.

Download: Wallaroo Community Centre Case Study(PDF, 5MB)

Download: Shire Buildings Upgrade Case Study(PDF, 118KB)

Download: Flinders Community Battery Case Study(PDF, 187KB)

Download: Solar For Tenants Case Study(PDF, 2MB)

Download:Foreshore camping heat pump case study.pdf(PDF, 141KB)