Embedded Networks: powering our cities of the future
Australia’s population is expected to surge by an extra 2.35 million residents in just 5 years.
By 2035 – a short 10 years away – there will be another 4.43 million Australians.
So where are all those people going to live?
Our cities are running out of land. It’s a case of building up, not out, to protect our green space and minimise urban sprawl. Of course, that means more high and medium density living. And this is where embedded networks come into their own.
At its core, an embedded network is a private electricity network, or microgrid. There is one connection point to the grid and the power is shared to a defined area, commonly an apartment complex, office tower or shopping centre. The building owner or operator buys power in bulk from an embedded network operator. The savings from this ‘bulk buying’ are then passed on to the building residents or tenants.
The true benefits come, however, when embedded network operators have certainty that governments support the model.
This gives operators the confidence to invest in new features, such as renewable energy sources, battery storage and EV charging stations.
Suddenly, embedded networks become mini-power stations, resilient to network outages. Some could even become self-sufficient and able to feed power back into a grid, helping traditional electricity retailers service a growing population.
How will embedded networks feature in our future growth?
The future is all about driving efficiency and catering for growth in an environmentally and economically sustainable way. Embedded networks optimise energy use, reduce costs and support the uptake of renewable power.
Developers can partner with embedded network operators even before they break ground on their new project. Because the provider will own and operate the technology, rather than the developer, the cost doesn’t get built into the initial purchase price. That provides instant savings for buyers.
There are ongoing benefits for property owners in lower power prices. Embedded networks take pressure off the power grid, meaning electricity supply is more reliable for everyone.
Energy efficiency and lower costs
Embedded networks are efficient energy users as they can shift their purchasing to off-peak times, delivering greater savings for building owners, tenants and residents.
Smart meters can provide real-time monitoring and predict how much electricity is needed and when it is needed.
Imagine two towers, identical in size, but one is an office block and the other is residential. They may sit side by side, but the energy demands, and peak loads are going to be completely different.
Instead of trying to balance the needs of so many different users, embedded network providers have a much clearer picture of energy usage. They can shift their load purchasing to off-peak times to deliver even greater savings.
Multiply this efficiency across our CBDs and the impact on our power grid will be huge. Governments will be able to work smarter with existing supply levels, reducing the scope of costly expansion projects.
Embedded networks also share the benefits equitably by reducing every tenant or resident’s electricity bill.
Not only are the benefits shared among all the customers of the embedded network provider, but an investment in private electricity infrastructure means less public investment is needed to maintain a reliable electricity grid.
Embracing a greener future
Before embedded networks, it was virtually impossible for unit dwellers to adopt sources of renewable energy. After all, who owns power produced by onsite solar panels?
This way, everybody gets their fair share.
Governments across the country are spending hundreds of millions of dollars encouraging Australians to switch to EVs. FBT exemptions will cost taxpayers more than $200 million. There’s another $150 million in low-cost loans for essential workers.
But uptake in unit dwellers is lower, because of a shortage of EV chargers in high rise buildings. Embedded network providers can use their buying power to purchase and install EV chargers in shared spaces.
They can invest in batteries to store off-peak power for use in peak times. They can invest in solar and other sources of renewable energy. The more private investment in the electricity network, the less public money needs to be spent.
Put simply, the more embedded networks which adopt sources of renewable energy, the greater the savings for all levels of government.
Embedded Networks: a power play for a better future
In summary, embedded networks have a key role to play in building our future.
By leveraging these private networks, we lessen the load on public infrastructure, helping governments keep a lid on power prices.
They are a perfect fit for a modern world focused on innovation, sustainability and personalisation.
Everybody benefits.
Electricity customers have lower bills. Power supply is more reliable. Taxpayers need to spend less improving and maintaining the energy grid.
We need to rethink how we cater for our future growth. If we do what we've always done, nothing will change.
The good news is, the future is already here.
Humenergy provides lower cost, more transparent energy solutions for Residential and Commercial Strata Communities. We work with Property Developers and Body Corporates to create win-win energy solutions that benefit developers, owners, and residents alike.
Humenergy purchases the gas in bulk and on-sell hot water to the residents at low energy rates, additionally Hum can supply and install best in class remote sub-metering systems.
If you wish to look into our solutions for Bulk Hot Water and sub-metering, get in touch with the Hum team today.