Energy Networks Australia (ENA) has released a new report highlighting the potential for Australia's local electricity grid to drive significant customer benefits and accelerate the transition to clean energy. The report, titled "The Time is Now: Getting Smarter with the Grid," was developed in collaboration with L.E.K. Consulting and presents a case for strategic policy adjustments to fully harness the local grid’s capabilities.
The report emphasizes that by optimizing the use of existing infrastructure, such as rooftop solar, local energy storage, and the installation of more electric vehicle chargers, Australia could achieve substantial cost savings and expedite progress toward its 2030 renewable energy targets. The findings suggest that customers could save approximately $160 annually, while the nation could avoid $7 billion in overall system costs by 2030. These measures are seen as crucial to meeting Australia’s ambitious goal of achieving 82 percent renewable energy by the end of the decade.
Dom van den Berg, CEO of ENA, underscored the importance of rethinking the traditional role of distribution networks, which have historically been viewed as basic poles and wires. "The distribution grid has the capacity to do much more of the heavy lifting in our energy transition," said van den Berg. By leveraging the local grid more effectively, the report suggests, the energy system can deliver cleaner and cheaper solutions for all Australians.
The report outlines several key recommendations, including enhancing the distribution grid's capacity to support more renewable energy sources, expanding the deployment of rooftop solar and local energy storage, and increasing the availability of electric vehicle chargers. These changes, according to the report, could unlock at least 5 GW of additional rooftop solar and 7 GW of additional community-scale generation by 2030, while also enabling the connection of 4 million electric vehicles to the grid.
The report's analysis also highlights the urgency of these actions, noting that the window of opportunity to secure these benefits is narrowing. By implementing the recommended policy and regulatory changes now, Australia can position itself to achieve its renewable energy targets more effectively and at a lower cost.
The ENA report, backed by comprehensive modeling from L.E.K. Consulting, presents a clear and actionable pathway to enhancing the local grid. The recommendations call for immediate and coordinated action from the government, regulators, and industry stakeholders to unlock the full potential of the distribution network and ensure that all Australians benefit from a smarter, more responsive energy system. The full report is available for further reading.