Wouldn’t it be nice if the cost of energy went down over time, as it got cleaner and more reliable?
For so long (and even now, with the recent conversation around “clean coal”) we’ve been told over and over again that renewable energy is more expensive, that clean energy and lower prices are at odds with each other. That we need to spend big on the grid to handle increased loads that have yet to materialise.
While there has been some truth to this line in years past, it is no longer the case. We have really hit the tipping point where renewables out-compete conventional energy generation. A big part of this is the trend towards generation and storage assets—like rooftop solar and batteries—moving “behind the meter”. In their New Energy Outlook last year, Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates that between 36% of Australia’s capacity will be behind-the-meter by 2040. Already, aggregated solar generation in Australia is larger than the output of Snowy Hydro.
A key driver to this shift in thinking—from centralised to distributed energy resources—is the community taking the initiative and proactively creating the energy future they want to see. From group buying initiatives like Suncrowd, to crowdfunding groups like Pingala, to community energy retailers like Enova, Hepburn Wind, or those enabled by Energy Locals, to local energy trading (of which we’re big advocates, of course!). And we’re sure there’s more and more activity bubbling along that we don’t see day-to-day—underneath the radar, so to speak—as community members explore solutions to their needs, in their specific context.
There are many different motivations, of course, ranging from reduced costs, to energy equity concerns, to a desire for cleaner energy. But most of all, community engagement reflects the fact that this change isn’t being led by key energy sector decision-makers, be they in the public or the private sphere.
That’s why we’re really looking forward to attending the 2017 Community Energy Congress next week. A lot of our favourite people are going to be there, and we’re really keen to hear more about how locals are taking a greater interest, and control, of their energy needs.
In addition to participating more generally in the program of events, Darius will be contributing to a session on Day 2 (11:45am) entitled “Back to the Future Part 1—Maximising value: solar, storage and all things trading.” According to the Congress organisers:
This session will offer the opportunity to debate how community energy will intersect with innovative technologies and business models in the form of energy storage, demand response and local electricity trading.
Darius will talk about micro-grids, trading and innovative business models to empower consumers in our future (current?!) electricity system.
Collectively, we’re at a tipping point where distributed energy resources are going to increasingly become the norm. We’re strong advocates for the community, and the individuals within them, retaining control of the assets that they invest in. The dialogue at the Congress, both in the panel but also more generally across the two days, is a critical component of ensuring that our energy future takes shape in ways that are aligned with our values, on our (collective) terms.
If you’re going to be at Congress, please let us know (via Facebook or Twitter)—we’d love to connect with you. I’ll be around for part of the day on Wednesday also, if you‘re in Melbourne but not able to attend the Congress event.
Posted by: Grant Young, Chief Experience Officer (CXO) of Nexergy.
