Consumer Energy Resources
and Grid Integration

As we transition our energy system to renewables there are significant changes in how, where, and by whom energy is generated, stored and used. As a result, our energy grid and the tools and technologies we use to share power are rapidly transforming.

Precincts are a practical scale for achieving net zero outcomes because technologies such as solar PV, batteries and electric vehicles can be readily incorporated into design and delivery at precinct scale. To be effective, these technologies must be integrated via precinct-scale smart systems to enable cost and emissions savings across the different functions of residential, mixed use and light industrial precincts in cities and regions. Arguably, precincts are a more manageable scale to tackle decarbonisation of the built environment, as opposed to city and grid scale, especially when net zero goals and processes for implementation are clear amongst precinct stakeholders.

Our research is interested in identifying the best mix of consumer energy resource technologies for scale and type of precinct; analysing system performance for repeatability and scalability; testing tools that help precinct-scale resourcing decisions; and identify opportunities, barriers and impacts of these changes on business models.