Support for the energy-sharing economy

Australians who are eager to shift to clean technologies, like solar, support platforms similar to Airbnb or Uber that would enable them to trade and share their excess power, according to a new report.

RMIT University and Monash University researchers have released the Household Research Report, which finds that energy-sharing platforms may help support the transition to new energy technologies, cleaner energy and better consumer outcomes. 

The report forms the first stage of the Future Grid Homes project, funded by Energy Consumers Australia. The project aims to identify best practice engagement strategies, concepts and relationship models to improve residential consumers’ trust, participation in demand management, and adoption of new energy technologies (eg, solar PV and battery storage) intended to support affordability and reliability objectives for households.

The researchers interviewed 51 Australian households — both with and without home solar systems — across Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide. There were three overlapping household categories which have experienced different types of engagement with the energy sector: early adopters, demand management participants and those who have experienced blackouts. They sought to understand how they want to engage with the transformation of Australia’s electricity system in ways that help people and the grid.

Lead author Dr Larissa Nicholls from the RMIT Centre for Urban Research said people were enthusiastic about generating and storing their own energy, but complexity and distrust in the energy sector limited their potential as participants in an efficient electricity grid.

“In the age of the sharing economy, consumers’ relationships with the electricity system are changing,” she said. “Early adopters of home battery energy storage are already looking to export their spare energy at peak times to help stabilise the grid in extreme weather, but opportunities are very limited and complicated.”

Research participants not only wanted to embrace new energy technologies, they also wanted to ensure this benefits those in need instead of boosting energy company profits.

“The concept of sharing or donating energy is appealing as a response to this widespread concern for vulnerable people, who may struggle with the cost of energy or be unable to access renewable power.

“It’s so easy to find a spare room to rent on Airbnb, or catch a ride in an Uber, and it could be just as easy for Australians to trade, share or even donate their spare energy,” said Nicholls.

Report co-author Associate Professor Yolande Strengers from Monash University explained that if households are to become active participants in the energy system, shifting their energy use and agreeing to more automation of their home appliances, then the types of engagement required to navigate this complex environment will need to evolve.

“Our research shows that householders are interested in participating in energy programs and initiatives when offered interesting and simple opportunities that are part of a larger and coordinated plan towards our energy future.”

The research team warns that energy sharing will need to be carefully introduced to ensure it does not create extra confusion for those who do not want to engage in this way, and regulations will be necessary to protect people.

“As has been reported in cities with high uptake of Airbnb and other sharing platforms, there is potential for some people to miss out or be disadvantaged in the sharing economy,” Assoc Prof Nicholls said. “Programs and platforms need to ensure that consumers are the primary beneficiaries, and rules and regulations need to address equity concerns.”

An engagement strategy for the sector will be released later this year.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Gyula Gyukli