Planning and Governance for Decentralised Energy Assets in Medium-Density Housing: The WGV Gen Y Case Study. Issue 2 (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Green, Jemma; Newman, Peter
• Is Part Of: Urban policy and research. Volume 36:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 201
• Page End: 214
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Solar -- battery -- common user infrastructure -- microgrid -- local asset management -- renewable financing -- precinct-scale utility; City planning -- Australia -- Periodicals; City planning -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; City planning -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Urban policy -- Australia -- Periodicals; Urban policy -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; Urban policy -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; 307.7609905
• DOI: 10.1080/08111146.2017.1295935
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0811-1146

Abstract

Abstract: The energy needs of most urban populations are serviced with centralised, fossil fuel based generation and transmission infrastructure. However, with the advent of affordable solar and storage technology, this will likely move towards an increasingly hybridised and decentralised model. While many households presently benefit from stand-alone solar photovoltaic systems, in higher density areas this technology is difficult to provide due to the way multi-dwelling buildings are governed. This paper examines a case study for a multi-dwelling, residential building called Gen Y within a bigger innovative development called WGV, in which a planning and governance structure has been developed to provide both financial incentive for the installation of renewable energy in multi-dwelling buildings, as well as to demonstrate how planning can best optimise the behind-the-meter installation and management of solar and battery technology. It suggests the building management company can become a precinct-scale utility.