Alan Reid, Reposit Power, Australia

Topic: Solar, Batteries and Virtual Power Plants: Australia's Distributed Energy Future

Centralised generation and distribution of electricity was born of the industrial revolution and has been the prevailing energy model since its inception. Very large generators produce large amounts of electricity which is then transported, in some cases over very large distances, to where it is finally distributed to end-consumers. The tenacity of this model can be attributed, in part, to the maturity of large scale generation technology and a lack of viable alternatives. However, another revolution is afoot. Driven by consumers, this revolution threatens to disrupt the centralised generation model. Distributed residential energy generation and storage assets are being adopted by consumers and communities en masse. Installations of solar photovoltaic systems and lithium-ion energy storage is fundamentally changing the relationship between the consumer and the electricity grid. 

This talk examines the technical challenges faced by the electricity distribution system, and the advances in generation and storage technology that are behind this wave of disruption. It investigates the implications upon electricity network governance and ultimately seeks to answer the question: how can we maintain electricity grid resiliency when confronted with the rise of the prosumer and electricity decentralisation?

About the speaker:

Alan is the Head of Operations at Reposit Power and has over a decade experience in the electricity distribution and advanced renewable energy technology sector, having held senior positions across multiple energy technology companies. Determined to help Australia cement its position as a global leader in the renewable energy technology sector, Alan is focused on innovating and proliferating the consumer owned ‘Virtual Power Plant’. He is passionate about empowering consumers and industry alike with the tools and knowledge necessary to utilise distributed renewable energy systems to ensure grid stability and help drive down power prices for all Australians. Alan holds an Honour’s degree in Engineering and Master’s degree in Business Administration as well as qualifications in governance and risk.

Format:

11.00 AM - Introduction

11.05 AM - Presentation by Alan Reid, Reposit Power

11.45 AM - Audience Q&A

12.00 PM - Close