The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) has inaugurated the Consumer Energy Tech Alliance (CETA) on February 25th, an initiative designed to bolster the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery storage, and intelligent technologies into the national electricity grid. This strategic move addresses the escalating adoption of these technologies by Australian households seeking to diminish their carbon footprint and achieve self-sufficiency in electricity generation.
The proliferation of rooftop solar PV has notably surpassed traditional coal-fired power generation in Australia by the conclusion of 2024. However, the assimilation of other DERs, particularly residential battery storage, has proceeded at a more moderate pace. This development parallels trends observed in the European Union, where solar PV constituted 11% of the electricity supply, eclipsing coal’s contribution, which fell to a historic low of 10% in the preceding month.
CETA’s establishment is specifically tailored to facilitate the transition of households from passive energy consumers to active energy producers. Damian Kassabgi, Chief Executive Officer of the TCA, articulated that this evolution presents substantial prospects for amplified renewable energy generation, enhanced grid reliability, and reduced energy costs. He stressed that CETA’s working structure is based on three main ideas: putting consumers’ needs first in the energy transition, lowering electricity costs while making the system more reliable, and creating a fair and competitive space for Australia’s energy technology leaders.
“The progressive integration of renewable energy necessitates a stable, efficient, and cost-effective grid infrastructure. CETA advocates for a balanced approach, synergizing innovation with system security to fully capitalize on the potential of distributed energy resources,” Kassabgi stated.
The alliance’s founding members comprise a cohort of leading entities in the energy technology sector, including Brighte, Reposit Power, eLumina Global, Evie Networks, Neara, SNAPI, MyPlace, CATCH Power, and Smartizer.
The prominence of DERs and virtual power plants (VPPs) is increasingly evident in Australia, primarily due to their potential to support the energy transition and reinforce grid stability. The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) issued a final determination in December 2024, enabling VPPs to engage in direct competition with large-scale generators within the National Electricity Market (NEM), which encompasses the eastern states of Australia.
According to the AEMC’s resolution, VPPs, commercial and industrial demand response, and aggregated batteries will be authorized to compete directly with conventional power plants commencing in May 2027. Incentives for participation will be accessible from April 2026, with a funding allocation of AU$50 million. The reforms introduce a novel “dispatch mode” that empowers retailers to bid these resources into the wholesale electricity market.
Anna Collyer, Chair of the AEMC, characterized the final determination, which was initially proposed in July 2024, as a transformative enhancement for the electricity system.
Katherine McConnell, Chief Executive Officer of Brighte and a foundational member of CETA, underscored the necessity of robust regulatory frameworks and technical standards to ensure the long-term stability and sustainability of the energy sector.
“The commitment is to collaborate with government and consumers to ensure that technology plays a pivotal role in constructing a more efficient and inclusive energy system for all Australians,” McConnell affirmed. “CETA furnishes a unified platform where energy technology enterprises can contribute to shaping energy policy and cultivate an ecosystem conducive to innovation and collaboration.”
The creation of CETA signifies a concerted effort to streamline the integration of DERs, thereby advancing Australia’s transition toward a sustainable and resilient energy future.
