Australia 4.0 - Energy Information Decoded - Online

Australia 4.0 national roundtable

A series of national conversations facilitated by the Pearcey Foundation to explore the implications for Australia of the transition to Net Zero. Australia 4.0 includes the voices of regulators, innovators, the energy sector, the ICT sector, government and academia. Focussed on the intersection of enabling consumer agency, the role of ICT in the transition to Net Zero, and the need for Australian innovation.

In 2023 Australia 4.0 identified a set of commonly agreed challenges and proposed ways to address them from a digital and data perspective. That work was summarised in a Communiqué released in May 2024.

In 2024, Australia 4.0 continues with targeted roundtable discussions on topics aimed at driving next gen ICT solutions to support the transition. During each of these workshops, we will focus through the following lenses:

Consumer - ICT - Innovation - Australian

and asking the questions:

1. What are the opportunities for making energy information more accessible and useable?
2. What are the advanced ICT technologies that will most help in the uptake of renewable energy?
3. What are the concerns of the general public in the use of their data and AI?

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, such as Digital Twins and AI, using data collated from sources that are trusted and secure. These technologies create the potential for a consumer-centric grid, which can empower consumers in their energy choices and usage. Additionally, comprehensive energy comparison services could be developed to include energy sources and battery storage options. There is opportunity to develop new approaches to planning and implementation of new energy solutions, such as designing shared energy storage services for communities, taking into account increased electrification of transport and household heating and cooking.  We will hear from some Australian pioneers in these solutions.

This session will highlight approaches to improving access to open data and the use of AI to benefit consumers, as we move from being pure consumers to being prosumers, i.e. both consumers and producers, e.g. rooftop solar and home batteries. Presentations from leaders in innovating new solutions will be followed by facilitated discussion with the Roundtable leaders and experts, then Q&A with the audience in-person and online.

2024 Australia 4.0 events are hybrid events comprising in person speakers, roundtable participants and audience accompanied by live streaming to a national audience.

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
  • Energy Information Decoded and the role of advance ICT – Professor Neil Horrocks, Deputy Chief Research Officer, RACE for 2030 CRC
  • Open, extensible, intelligent & interactive energy system investment modelling case study – Simon Wilson, CEO RedGridGPT
  • Open energy data and the applications of AI – Sam Bendat, CEO Solving Zero
  
  
• Roundtable – Part 2 – Facilitated Roundtable discussions, including Q&A from audience
• Wrap up – Next Steps – Close
• Light lunch & Networking – 12:00-1:00

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 RACE for 2030 CRC, Cremorne Digital Hub, Monash University, RedgridGPT and Solving Zero, Australia 4.0 seeks to create a constructive space for this important dialogue.