The wheels on the bus go round and round on 100% renewable electricity

SEC is proud to be powering Victoria's newest zero-emission bus depot as Kinetic, which operates one third of Melbourne's bus network.

The company's brand-new Preston depot in the city's inner north is now the operational hub for its Metropolitan Zero Emission Bus Franchise, serving 14 routes across Melbourne's northern suburbs. The depot, charging systems and facilities have been powered by 100% renewable electricity from day one, with the Preston fleet transitioning to zero-emissions over the next decade.

Suzanne Retschko, SEC General Manager, Customer said SEC was thrilled to be powering the Preston depot with 100% renewable electricity.

"The partnership with Kinetic shows what's possible when renewable energy and sustainable transport come together. It's about cutting emissions, improving local air quality, and supporting communities right across Melbourne.

"This project highlights the impact renewable energy can have beyond the grid. It's helping drive forward a cleaner, more sustainable future for all Victorians," said Suzanne.

Not only is the depot powered by renewable electricity, it also features Victoria's first overhead gantry charging system using cable reel infrastructure to charge the buses. The system is around 25 per cent more space-efficient than traditional ground-mounted chargers and reduces the risk of bumps and scrapes across the bus fleet. Preston is Kinetic's fourth electric bus depot in Victoria and its 12th zero-emission site across Australia.

Each zero-emission bus that rolls onto the road from the Preston depot prevents about 7,000 kg of CO₂ per month compared with a diesel equivalent. SEC retails power to the depot, the charging systems, and office facilities with 100% renewable electricity, helping keep the growing zero-emission Preston fleet fully charged and ready to service Victorians.

Matt Campbell, Kinetic Managing Director (Australia) said the Preston depot is purpose-built for the company’s future vision for Melbourne's bus network.

"Over the next decade, we'll transition the entire Preston fleet to zero-emission buses, all charged by 100% renewable electricity - reaching 100% electric by 2035.

"That means cleaner air and quieter streets for the communities across Melbourne's north that we serve every day.

"Our partnership with SEC is an important part of delivering on that commitment," said Matt.

SEC and Kinetic’s Preston collaboration proves how renewable electricity and innovative infrastructure can combine to benefit both the environment and community.