Building the evidence base
Renew’s Policy and Research team undertakes research, policy analysis and advocacy on behalf of consumers in the energy, water and transport markets.
The team also offers project consulting services to a large range of commercial, government and community clients on the economic, technical, regulatory and operational aspects of efficient and environmentally effective technology and consumer behaviour.
The Policy and Research team is dedicated to understanding consumer choices, opportunities and risks in the demand side of energy, water and transport markets.
Our objective is to empower our project partners and consumers at all levels to utilise cost-effective, efficient and environmentally sustainable technology as part of the day-to-day management of their households, businesses and communities.
Latest research from Renew
Advocacy
Climate resilience and Victoria’s homes
Renews's submission to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Climate Resilience argues that Victoria must take action now to address the vulnerability of Victoria's homes to the growing threat of extreme heatwave conditions.
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Research
Extreme Heat Resilience: lessons from Spain for Australia
New research released today says Australia should consider naming its heatwaves to increase public awareness of the dangers of extreme heat.
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Research
It’s a gas: how ditching gas this winter can cut heating bills by 75%
As winter bites and with gas bills skyrocketing, there has never been a better time for Victorians to switch to efficient, electric appliances in our homes.
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Research
Adelaide households paying too much to heat and cool homes
Adelaide households are paying far more than they need to heat and cool their homes, according to new research by Renew commissioned by the South Australia Council of Social Service.
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Research
Wagga Wagga homes can save with renewables
Powering homes in Wagga Wagga with renewables and getting off gas can lead to big energy bill savings, new Renew research shows.
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Research
Limiting energy bills by getting off gas
Electricity and gas tariffs are rising. New research from Renew shows that homes depending on gas for heating, cooking and hot water are set to be hit the hardest.
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Research
Report: Affordable energy choices for WA households
A new study from Renew in Western Australia shows the financial benefits of going all-electric.
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Research
Transition delayed – renewable projects facing obstacles
Due to inadequacies in the electricity market, some wind and solar farms are having grid connections refused, output curtailed and revenue reduced. Investors are understandably hesitant to develop new projects. Read our paper investigating this issue.
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Research
Evaluating The Cape
Research by Renew alongside RMIT looked at the performance of highly efficient homes built in the eco-village at Cape Paterson, Vic pre- and post-occupancy. The research includes interviews with occupants as well as analysis of energy use and home temperatures.
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Energy system transition
Enabling More Distributed Energy In Our Electricity Grids
Renew has been figuring out how we can integrate more household-owned renewable energy resources into the grid and what we need to do to allow it to happen. We've just published a major technical report and summary paper.
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Research
Aussie rules on batteries tightened
A new Australian Standard has been released for solar batteries. This will affect grid-connect batteries, off-grid and DIY solar on sheds.
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Research
EVs: Electricity Bills, Energy Use & Carbon
This study seeks to explore the potential impact of electric vehicles on household energy usage, electricity bills, and use of the grid.
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Research
Renew delivers webinar on batteries
View a video on batteries in community buildings. Also relevant to households.
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Research
Renew gives presentation on the role of hydrogen
View a presentation by Oliver Yates (former CEO of the CEFC) and Renew's Andrew Reddaway
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Research
Hydrogen: help or hype?
As we transition to a low-carbon energy system, which uses of hydrogen are realistic and which are hype? Renew explores.
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Research
Energy supply and severe weather
Renew is exploring the role of household and local energy systems in creating more resilience in the face of climate change.
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Advocacy
Zero-emissions plan launched
The Z-Net Community Transition Plan aims to turn the Hepburn Shire in central Victoria into a model zero-net emissions community.
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Research
The fairness of rooftop solar
The Total Environment Centre and Renew have collaborated on a report on the equity implications of rooftop solar.
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News
High grid voltage and solar
The solar power boom has been linked to voltage problems in the electricity network. Renew looks at the issue.
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Research
All-electric solar homes save thousands over gas: report
New homes that are all-electric and have solar power will save their owners thousands of dollars according to a new report by Renew.
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Research
100 percent renewable energy by 2030
Australia can have an electricity grid entirely run by renewable energy by 2030, according to a new research paper by Renew.
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Research
Rooftop DC isolators and solar system fires
Renew commissioned students from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, USA, to do a study on rooftop solar-related fires in Australia and internationally.
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Research
Bigger solar is better: report
When choosing a grid-connected solar system for your home, what size should it be? The Alternative Technology Association (ATA) has traditionally advised people to consider this carefully based on their household’s electricity consumption. Now, however, the ATA recommends a big solar system, even if consumption is low.
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Research
100 per cent renewable grid possible
A fully renewable electricity grid would provide long-term economic, climate and social benefits for Australia, according to a discussion paper by Renew.
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Research
Grid-connected batteries attractive by 2020
A report by Renew says grid-connected battery storage should become economically attractive for many homes from around 2020.
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Research
Are We Still Cooking with Gas?
Many households in Australia would be better off switching from gas to efficient electric appliances according to a major study by Renew.
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Research
Life after Feed-in Tariffs report
Renew has prepared a report on what solar households need to consider when premium feed-in tariffs end in 2016.
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Research
Households support cost-reflective pricing
Consumers are willing to pay more for peak electricity if off-peak tariffs are lowered, a survey by Renew has revealed.
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Research
Consumers are moving away from gas
Consumers are less likely to choose a gas appliance than they were five to 10 years ago, according to a Renew survey.
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Research
The Value of Higher Efficiency Homes
The rise of rooftop solar, high efficiency electric technology and low cost thermal efficiency can lead to substantial energy and financial savings for new homes.
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Research
Grid connected batteries economically attractive by 2020: report
In the most detailed economic analysis yet produced in Australia on household battery use with solar, a new report by the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) says grid-connected battery storage should become economically attractive for many homes from around 2020.
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Research
WA report on gas-electric appliances
Should a new home in WA be connected to gas? Under what circumstances should WA households consider switching from gas to efficient electric appliances?
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Research
Emissions down in move from gas to electric
Switching from gas to efficient electric appliances is good for the environment, according to analysis by Renew.
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Research
Economics of gas/electric appliances
Is gas still a cheap energy to use at home? Under what circumstances should you consider switching from gas to efficient electric appliances?
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Research
Economics of water-saving technology
Water bills have increased considerably in Victoria. As the price of mains water goes up, there is an incentive for people to install more efficient water technology in their home.
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Research
Towns and estates could unplug from the grid
Regional towns and new housing estates could function viably and economically off the electricity grid, a new report reveals.
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Research
Be vigilant on solar deals: report
Many households with rooftop solar may be missing out on the best rates for their solar power, according to a new report commissioned by Renew.
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Research
Economics of stand-alone power systems
Renew, has done economic modelling on the costs and benefits of installing stand-alone power systems for rural and remote customers on the fringe of the electricity grid.
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Research
The viability of domestic wind turbines
With support from Sustainability Victoria, Renew spent two years researching the viability of small-scale wind turbines in urban areas.
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Research
Using greywater for domestic irrigation
Renew and RMIT have conducted a study on a selected range of bathroom products and their potential impacts on soil chemistry and structure when they are present in bathroom greywater.
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Research
Barriers to solar grid connection
Renew has conducted research into the experiences of our members with household solar power systems and the many barriers they face when negotiating grid connection.
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Research
Solar system owners’ survey
Renew conducted a survey of more than 1300 solar system owners across the country, and there were some fascinating findings.
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Research
Renew’s greywater trial
Renew carried out a trial of six greywater systems at Melbourne homes to assess the usability and health and safety issues of domestic greywater reuse.
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