This summer Australia has faced a bushfire crisis like no other which has sparked numerous questions surrounding climate change, response strategies and even donations. But one question has been left unanswered – ‘why are we being left in the dark?’
Australia’s energy network is incredibly centralised, meaning our power is generated at a few main sites and reaches us via major powerlines. During bushfire season these lines can easily fall or brush up against dry trees causing them to ignite, spreading flames at a rapid rate or even starting fires.
The current and short-sighted solution to this problem is simply shutting off these power lines temporarily. This not only leaves households in the dark but also without access to basic necessities, including refrigeration and access to emergency information.
Australia’s energy network is in urgent need of decentralisation and the solution lies on our rooftops.
For many years, household solar and batteries have been on the rise. Not only do they help reduce your electricity bills and are good for the environment, they can also offer the security of knowing you are self-sufficient during a crisis. On top of all of that, they can also help to rapidly decentralise Australia’s energy network via the creation of virtual power plants.
For more on this, take a read of my latest article in One Step Off the Grid.
