Electricity demand is expected to double by 2050. Energy Masters is a new project aiming to help households manage their energy consumption.
South Australia’s electricity demand is expected to double by 2050 due to increasing electrification, according to SA Power Networks.
In a groundbreaking initiative, Energy Masters, a collaboration between the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF), RACE for 2030 and SA Power Networks, is looking to transform how households manage their energy consumption.
The project, which aims to recruit at least 500 households, will leverage energy-smart technology and flexible demand systems to optimise energy use for both consumers and the grid.
Central to this initiative is the Home Energy Management System (HEMS), which will be provided free of charge to all participating households.
This system will enable behind-the-meter demand flexibility, allowing households to adjust their energy usage in response to grid demands.
The 18-month research program looks at several key areas:
- understanding how to balance the positive and negative effects on the energy network
- analysing the financial implications for households and the factors influencing their energy behaviour and trust
- assessing the capability of supply chains and workforce to scale up the deployment of energy-smart homes
- identifying the necessary policies and standards to support widespread adoption.
As households transition away from gas and adopt electric vehicles and other Consumer Energy Resources (CER), the strain on the existing distribution network will intensify.
Without increasing capacity, peak demand could surge, leading to higher costs and potential network issues.
Energy Masters is a pilot project that aims to demonstrate how flexible demand can mitigate these challenges.
By enabling energy-smart homes, the project looks at solutions to manage peak demand effectively, avoid costly network upgrades, and cut overall electricity costs for consumers.
Building on previous work funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and ongoing efforts through the Distributed Energy Integration Program, Energy Masters is poised to showcase the significant benefits of demand flexibility.
This initiative not only promises to lower electricity costs but also paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future for South Australia.