Data infrastructure, bandwidth and security for localised CER energy ponds

Australia 4.0 national roundtable

Australia 4.0 is an initiative of the Pearcey Foundation to help Australia develop a consistent approach to the digital and data enablement of the energy transition.

• In 2023, our series of nine national discussions canvassed the issues and explored the implications.

• In 2024, our workshops were focused on driving the next generation of Australian ICT enabled solutions by looking at the intersection of consumer agency, regulation and digitalisation.

• In 2025 we are continuing the effort to conceive and realise a consumer-centric grid, which can empower consumers and buoy our economy.

This is a constructive effort to bring together all stakeholders to have the discussions we need to have to best meet these challenges for our nation.

Customer - ICT - Innovation - Australian

and asking the questions:

1. What are the opportunities for making consumer generated energy more accessible and shareable?
2. How will data drive the sharing of energy?
3. What are the characteristics/features of a modern grid?
4. What are the advanced ICT technologies that will most help realise that modern grid?
5. Time for the energy transition is short!! Which areas are most important??

In 2023, Australia 4.0 identified that one of the major opportunities for accelerating the transition to renewable electricity is the use of advanced ICT solutions, including digitalised systems for sharing energy among local prosumers. These technologies create the potential for a customer-centric grid, which can empower customers in their energy choices and usage. Consumer Energy Resources (CER), such as rooftop solar, can be connected together in local areas to create an "Energy Pond". The digital control systems to make this work depend on having a system architecture to securely share the requisite data in a timely manner. There is opportunity to develop new approaches to planning and implementation of new energy solutions, such as designing shared energy resources for communities, taking into account privacy, shared economic benefit and increased use of electric vehicles, among other priorities.

This session will explore the role of data in shaping the energy transition for Australia, particularly at the local community level. We will cover progress in energy pond design, implementation, security and regulation.

Presentations will be followed by facilitated discussion with the Roundtable leaders and experts, then Q&A with the audience in-person and online.

Agenda:

• Tea & coffee networking – arrive at 9:30 for a 10am start
• Welcome - by Pearcey Foundation
• Introductions
• Roundtable – Part 1 – Presentations and Q&A with Roundtable
  • Ty Christopher from Energy Futures Network and Duane Robinson from the Australian Power Quality Research Centre will present an overview of topics of interest, framed within the context of the transition to Net-Zero:
  1. Definition of a Localised CER Energy Market (LCEM)
  2. How can a LCEM be made to work?
  3. Benefits and challenges to the grid/consumers that it brings
  4. What are the consequences of a “status quo” model?
  5. What are the LCEM Exemplars from overseas?
  6. How to unlock CER Energy Market (what needs to change from a policy, regulatory, market-making perspective)
• Roundtable – Part 2 – Facilitated Roundtable discussions, including Q&A from audience
• Wrap up – Next Steps – Close
• Light lunch & Networking – 12:00-12:30

Australia needs a consistent and proactive approach to get to Net Zero.The current debate is fractured, especially in considering the use of digital technology in our infrastructure. Working with partners such as the University of Wollongong and the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub, Australia 4.0 seeks to create a constructive space for this important dialogue.

The Pearcey Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded in 1998 in memory of a great Australian ICT pioneer Dr Trevor Pearcey. The Foundation operates broadly across the Australian Information Computing and Telecommunication (ICT) sector, from celebrating achievements through national and state awards, to being involved in debate and public policy on critical national issues such as productivity, the digital economy and national infrastructure.