The ACT Government has recently unveiled its Integrated Energy Plan (IEP). Engineering expertise and insights are invaluable in ensuring the success of this plan.
Engineers Australia encourages members to actively engage with the development of the plan by providing written feedback to Engineers Australia and attending the upcoming member briefing on the Wednesday 6 September in Barton.
About the Integrated Energy Plan
The ACT Government is planning for the Canberra region to become the first in Australia to be powered solely by renewable energy by 2045.
Currently, Canberra is already powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity, positioning itself as a global leader in climate action. However, challenges remain, with over 20 per cent of emissions coming from fossil fuel gas and more than 60 per cent from transportation.
The IEP establishes a strategic roadmap to an affordable and sustainable energy future. The plan focuses on gradually moving away from fossil fuel gas, reducing transport emissions and ensuring a reliable energy system.
The IEP will be executed in three stages. The first stage, from 2024 to 2030, encourages consumer-led transition away from fossil fuel gas, supported by incentives, rebates and education.
The second stage, from 2030 to 2035, accelerates the transition with measures such as replacing gas appliances with electric alternatives and supporting electrification of complex buildings.
Finally, in the third stage from 2035 to 2040, efforts are concentrated on boosting the transition for households and businesses that are harder to transition, along with the decommissioning of gas networks.
The plan acknowledges the need to develop a skilled workforce to support the transition. This includes upskilling workers in relevant fields such as electrical trades and auto mechanics, as well as addressing workforce needs for new technologies.
An engineering workforce will be vital to the delivery of the IEP’s objectives and should also be acknowledged as critical skills.
You can get more detail on the IEP on the ACT Government website.
Get involved
Engineers play a pivotal role in designing solutions to complex problems that underpin the transition to renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and integrated energy networks.
Your insights can influence the plan's design, infrastructure development, smart grid systems, and energy storage solutions. By providing your expertise, you contribute to a sustainable future that aligns with Engineers Australia's commitment to advancing society and give back to the community we live in.
Email [email protected] to express your interest in contributing to Engineers Australia's feedback on the IEP as part of the government’s open consultation. Written feedback is due by 5.00 pm on Wednesday 6 September.
Attend our member briefing
Engineers Australia is hosting a member briefing on Wednesday 6 September from 4.00–6.00 pm. This event presents an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the plan's objectives and technical aspects.
The ACT Government Director of the Integrated Energy Plan, Jacinta Evans will present and discuss the IEP with Engineers Australia’s members.
Your involvement in providing feedback and attending the member briefing reflects your dedication to our profession and your commitment to driving positive change. Engineers Australia is committed to serving as a conduit for your insights, concerns, and innovative ideas, ensuring that the ACT Integrated Energy Plan reflects the best interests of both the engineering community and the broader society.
Please register in advance for the member briefing to secure your spot.
For those unable to attend in person, we encourage you to provide your written feedback via email to [email protected] by 5.00 pm on Wednesday 6 September.