Oct 28, 2024

All Energy Australia 2024: Key Insights on Transport Electrification and Battery Innovation

The All Energy Australia Conference in Melbourne has wrapped up for another year, being described by the Clean Energy Council as the “biggest and best year yet.” The conference attracted over 10,000 attendees, exhibitors, and speakers during its two-day run, from Wednesday, October 23, to Thursday, October 24, 2024.

The conference delivered critical insights into the electrification of the transport sector and the instrumental role of batteries in enabling the country’s transition towards electrification. The team at Infinitev joined industry leaders and clean energy innovators for an action-packed two days of knowledge sharing and discussions. Hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, this year’s event featured over 400 suppliers, 450 expert speakers, and attracted more than 11,500 professionals - marking it the largest All-Energy Australia conference to date.

Kane Thornton, CEO of the Clean Energy Council, opened the event with a powerful message, describing Australia’s energy transition as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunityto “cement our [Australia’s] role as a global energy superpower.”

“In Australia we are charging towards 50% renewable energy. This is a once in a lifetime transition, with an enormous amount at stake for us as a nation, and for the planet. We can achieve a smart, low-cost energy system that can power our lives and our economy”.

In his keynote, renowned economist Professor Ross Garnaut, The Superpower Institute, echoed these sentiments, calling for Australia to seize its opportunity to lead in clean energy, positioning transport electrification as a critical part of the overall strategy.

Transport and Energy Integration

The intersection of transport and energy was a major theme at the conference. Chau Le, General Manager of Strategy & E-Mobility at Origin Energy, emphasized the massive opportunity electric vehicles (EVs) present in the decarbonization of both sectors. “Electric vehicles are such an asset for decarbonisation,” said Le, emphasizing that connecting millions of “batteries-on-wheels” to the grid could help soak up excess renewable energy and stabilize the system, highlighting the massive value the transport sector can bring to the energy sector, making EVs a key enabler of energy resilience in a renewable energy-powered future.

Peter Horn, Acting Deputy CEO of Trade and Investment, at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), chaired a session on decarbonizing the transport industry. He noted that Australia’s international trade and investment will play a pivotal role in the country’s journey toward net zero, as well as in the decarbonization efforts of its major trading partners. International collaboration and the export of clean technologies will not only support Australia’s domestic transition but also help neighboring regions meet their own climate goals.

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology

One of the most talked-about innovations in the EV space was Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. V2G allows energy stored in EV batteries to be fed back into the grid, helping balance electricity demand during peak periods. While the potential is enormous, the technology is still in its infancy, with applications mostly limited to trials and small-scale deployments. The key challenge, as identified during the conference, is the disparity in costs for EV owners, with few financial incentives to adopt V2G solutions. Without these incentives, widespread adoption remains a challenge, despite the clear benefits for energy management and grid stability.

As Australia’s EV adoption continues to surge—on track to reach 100,000 new EVs by 2024—the integration of these vehicles into the electricity grid presents an opportunity to rethink how we manage energy and transport systems. V2G technology offers a glimpse into a future where EV batteries could become one of the largest decentralized storage assets connected to the grid.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

A key takeaway from this year’s conference was the exponential growth in interest and focus on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Compared to last year, the spotlight on battery solutions was much brighter, with discussions on how BESS can support both stationary and mobile energy needs.

Batteries are emerging as a cornerstone of Australia’s renewable energy strategy, providing critical support for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and improving overall energy resilience. This is particularly relevant as the country seeks to decarbonize its transport sector, with BESS playing a vital role in securing a stable, low-carbon energy supply.

Decarbonizing Heavy Transport

Aman Gaur, Head of Legal, Policy, and Advocacy at the Electric Vehicle Council, chaired a panel focused on electrifying heavy vehicles, a crucial component of transport decarbonization. Heavy vehicles currently account for 5% of Australia’s emissions, making the transition to electric buses and trucks a pressing issue. The panel’s discussion reinforced the need for urgent action to decarbonize this sector, with the potential to make a significant impact on Australia’s overall emissions trajectory.

The panel stressed the pressing need to electrify buses, trucks, and other large vehicles, which are among the most significant sources of transport emissions.

The decarbonization of heavy transport is not only essential to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also presents an opportunity to improve urban air quality and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. With the right policies and investments, Australia can accelerate the electrification of heavy transport and make significant strides toward achieving its net-zero targets.

International Partnerships and Market Entry

This year’s event also saw an increasing representation of international suppliers, particularly from China, seeking to enter the Australian market with innovative battery technologies. Many of these companies showcased cutting-edge solutions that could help Australia accelerate its transition to electric transport. However, competition is fierce, with both local and global players eager to capture market share. The presence of these suppliers underscores the global nature of the energy storage and EV industries, where collaboration and innovation are driving rapid advancements.

Government in Action

The conference saw robust participation from government bodies, including Sustainability Victoria (SV), the Victorian State Government, and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Their presence highlighted the critical role of government in facilitating the integration of new technologies like V2G and BESS. By providing regulatory frameworks, financial incentives, and infrastructure support, the public sector is a key enabler of Australia’s energy transition.

Looking Ahead

The All Australia Energy Conference 2024 cemented its place as a leading platform for discussions on the future of energy in Australia. With transport electrification at the forefront and a growing focus on battery solutions, the event highlighted the convergence of innovation, policy, and global cooperation. As Australia continues its journey toward a low-carbon future, the insights shared at this year’s event will undoubtedly influence the strategies that shape both the energy and transport sectors in the years to come.