All Energy Special

All Energy in Melbourne Wednesday-Thursday!

All Energy is back at Jeff’s shed this week on October 23 and 24. Nicklas is on a panel at 3 pm Thursday at the Energy Management Zone stage.

The exhibition will as usual feature many solar and battery companies but this year there looks to be a greater focus on EVs and chargers, which are hopefully getting ready for V2G! 

1. Developments in Vehicle-to-Grid Technology

There are more movements to try and make better use of the massive amounts of batteries already rolling on our roads and at least having the potential to be connected to the grid for the majority of the day and night and provide critical grid support via bidirectional charging as we shut off more and more coal power plants in particular.

Here’s some recent V2G news:

  1. Amber & ARENA Partnership: Amber is partnering with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to trial V2G technology in New South Wales and other states. This collaboration aims to establish a framework for bidirectional charging, allowing EV owners to utilize their vehicle batteries to earn rewards while contributing to grid stability.
    Amber & ARENA: V2G Charging Trials Explained

  2. Changes to the 2024 AS/NZS 4777.1 Standard for Inverter Energy Systems: Embracing Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology

    The 2024 updates to AS/NZS 4777.1 also paves the way for the integration of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. With provisions for both AC and DC connections, electric vehicles can now be more seamlessly integrated into the energy system, allowing them to either draw power from or contribute to the grid.

     Key Changes in the 2024 AS/NZS 4777.1 Standard

  3. Manufacturers Getting Involved: Major automotive brands, including Kia and Nissan, are entering the V2G space. Kia is collaborating with Wallbox to integrate bidirectional charging in the EV9, while Nissan has joined other automakers in founding ChargeScape to standardize V2G technology. 

We are working with SpendWatt to be able to show the value of switching to EV in your electric efficient home and business and in the future also account for the V2G opportunities and revenue streams.

Further updates will follow as developments and new opportunities presents themselves.

2. Important Updates on the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program is set for significant changes with the introduction of the Energy Upgrades for the Future Bill 2024, announced by Minister for Energy and Resources, Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio.

Key Changes Proposed:

  1. Program Extension: The VEU program’s end date is proposed to be extended from 2030 to 2045, aligning with Victoria’s net zero emissions target.
  2. Enhanced Regulatory Powers: The Essential Services Commission (ESC) will gain expanded enforcement powers to improve oversight of accredited providers and installers.
  3. Increased Flexibility: The removal of the “vintage rule” will allow energy retailers more time to acquire necessary certificates, easing supply and pricing pressures.
  4. Shorter Target Periods: Energy saving targets will now be set for two-year periods (2026 and 2027), allowing for the integration of recommendations from the ongoing strategic review.

VIC gov announcement

Our take: No spectacular changes or updates but the “Increased Flexibility” for retailers did result in the VEEC price dropping ~$5 after the announcement. This may just be temporary as the overall number of VEECs retailers will have to surrender didn’t change. Also see the VEEC Spot price below.

3. Heat Pump Upskilling Training – Plumbers

As part of supporting the energy transition the Victorian Government has just announced the Upskilling for Plumbers Initiative, a fully funded training program for 800 licensed plumbers and fourth-year apprentices.

This program will concentrate on designing and installing heat pump hot water systems, supporting the transition to energy-efficient solutions and reducing reliance on gas. This initiative underscores the commitment to enhancing skills within the industry, ensuring that professionals are equipped to meet the demands of a cleaner energy future.

Dates, locations and details here.

4. New Induction Cooktops Activity

The Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action is launching a pilot under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program to incentivize the use of induction cooktops. This pilot means the initial activity will be treated as a 12-month ‘pilot activity’.

Key Facts:

  • Eligibility: Freestanding stoves, in-bench cooktops, and select plug-in models will qualify.
  • Co-payment: A minimum of $200 (including GST) is required per cooktop.
  • Restrictions: Purchases are not allowed for homes built in the last two years or for households that have claimed an incentive for one cooktop.
  • Gas Connection: Only homes with an existing gas connection can participate.

The induction cooktops activity is proposed to commence already from 25 October 2024! However this is only a proposal and we have not seen the details on how the activity will work and how to get accredited.

Here is the announcement to date:

Engage Victoria – Induction cooktops.

Metimur Energy Savings Certificate News September 2024

Certificate spot prices update

Here are the CORE markets spot price graphs from Monday 12 Aug with our comments on the development over the last few months since our last newsletter:

  • VIC VEECs dropped back ~$5 on the VEU updates, in particular  the removal of the “vintage rule” appears to have led the market lower, now seem to have stabilised around $103.
  • NSW ESC spot made an odd surge from recent record low plateau of ~$13 to ~$17 but has now dropped back to $15, seems like volatility may be back.
  • NSW PRC spot still very volatile but has recently climbed back up to ~$2.45.

A reminder that we have our filterable table of all the rebate activities we can assist with across the country, from Solar VEECs and Solar VIC to NSW PRC, ESCs and federal STCs and we try to keep it up date as new activities are announced while others expire:  

Please let us know if you notice any rebates missing from the table.

Stay Connected! For more information and updates, visit our website or contact us at info@metimur.com.

View our past newsletters here:  https://metimurenergy.com.au/news/

Thank you for being a part of the Metimur community. Taking the pain out of certificate creation and maximising returns!  

Best Regards,
The Metimur Team