It highlights yet another model of a local council working to solve the issues confronting its community. Programs like this will create issues for the grid operators that will require microgrids, batteries and other technologies to help manage it.
As seen in the recent Junee Community Power Microgrid discussion paper, this article raises the issue of microgrids to help control the power. The only reservation with the ABC article is that at no time should large communities be considering disconnecting from the grid. They should ultimately be planning to be a net generator supporting the grid and deriving an income from it.
The world league table on energy efficiency exposes the stark fact that Australia has gone backwards on energy efficiency, making us the worst performing major developed country in the world.
We can easily prioritise smarter energy use, because proven, simple and cheap solutions are available. Digitisation, technological efficiencies, microgrids and balanced energy supplies are part of the solution. The International Facility Management Association estimates that active building management software and Internet of Things connected devices can catalyse a 50 per cent increase in energy efficiency – less energy, fewer costs, more comfortable buildings, more liveable cities.
Gareth O’Reilly
Think how we can use this quote from the article to empower our communities using energy efficiencies and solar installations like the one above.
read “Our energy needs to go into being efficient not ‘fair dinkum’” »