Race for Change

This theme will make true optimisation of the energy system, with a focus on the role of the end user, a central focus. Understanding and enabling end-user preferences is critical to ensuring a balance between demand and supply options. Developing innovative fore-sighting methods will ensure the end users’ views are captured in future energy scenarios. This will include understanding emerging social trends, lifestyles, routines and practices that are likely to impact on energy use. Policy and regulatory enablers will be developed to encourage participatory exploration of future energy systems. Measuring and building trust through tools and practices between customers and service providers is a critical area of research to enable end-user participation in whole-of-system planning.

This theme focuses on the transformative change required to deliver Australia’s decarbonisation goals in the energy sector. Proactive longitudinal approaches will be developed to track the success of project outcomes and refine research priorities built on a common understanding of industry needs. Fast-tracking change by building tailored communities of practice and selective systems-based training for key decision makers is vital to reduce risk in future planning and program delivery. Developing clear communication material to facilitate change among a range of different stakeholders will help drive Australia’s transition to a net zero economy

This theme will enhance the rapid development of a net zero workforce. Mapping the skill sets in demand supply-side by sub-sector is critical for planning development in schools, vocational and tertiary facilities and industry. Pathways to develop cross-cutting skills, including digital uplift and systems thinking, will be explored and will include the retraining of displaced workers in carbon intensive employment. Policy development for increasing diversity and inclusion in energy-related employment is vital along with the development of innovation networks for knowledge diffusion.