The Internet of Energy

The automation of networks as part of the Internet of Energy has the potential to change the way energy is produced and consumed, said Ilén Zazueta-Hall ahead of her upcoming presentation at the 2017 Australian Energy Storage Conference.

Zazueta-Hall is responsible for advancing technology solutions and software at Enphase Energy, a producer of AC batteries, energy management systems and early pioneer of the microinverter. Similar to the Internet of Things (IoT), she said that automating physical assets can enhance capabilities and could produce a more user-focused business model.

“With the Internet of Things, we saw how connecting physical devices to the cloud to harness additional computing resources can enable automation and enhanced capabilities that are not possible otherwise,” Zazueta-Hall said. “When we apply this same thinking to distributed energy systems, we are creating the Internet of Energy (IoE).”

Zazueta-Hall will be exploring this concept in her presentation ‘Are we ready to roll with the Internet of Energy?’ at the Australian Energy Storage Conference in June. She said these technological advancements will enhance the use of storage and energy in Australia.

“Solar or solar plus storage systems have the smarts to automate their interaction with the electricity grid with the view of supporting the stability of a national electricity network’s supply and for home owners to achieve a better return,” she said.

“This will create a whole new ecosystem of products or services and potentially redefine the existing relationship home owners have with their utility companies.”

Zazueta-Hall said the industry can learn from other sectors such as the telecom industry on how to adapt to these technological disruptions and make them beneficial.

“In that shakeout, companies that evolved and learned how to deal with innovation at the network edge thrived. The same will be true with energy.

“The lessons we’ve seen from the rise of collaborative consumption have made an impact on many traditional industries we never thought would be disrupted.”

The 2017 Australian Energy Storage Conference and Exhibition will run from 14–15 June at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. With a theme of ‘Investment in Australia’s Energy Future’, the conference will feature more than 50 Australian and international speakers presenting on the possibilities of energy storage.

To take advantage of the early-bird conference rates, to register for the free exhibition or for more information, visit www.australianenergystorage.com.au.

Image caption: Ilén Zazueta-Hall, Director of Product Management at Enphase Energy.