Good energy efficiency policy initiatives were taken in 2009 and 2010. Political attention in 2011 concentrated on the important Clean Energy Bill (better known as the carbon tax).

However it is becoming increasingly clear that the results of all the policies need to be integrated, and all the policies implemented between 2009 and 2011 now need to be put in one overarching blueprint. The stop/start nature of initiatives such as home insulation and solar panel (PV) schemes demonstrates the need for better policy alignment and policy coordination. We call this the trans-sector approach.

The disastrous rollout of smart meters in Victoria really brought home the message that policies need to be developed from one common vision. As BuddeComm has been predicting since the inception of the scheme by the Ministerial Council for Energy back in 2006, smart meters need to be seen within the context of smart grids - developing these schemes in isolation is a recipe for disaster.

The looming tsunami of electric vehicles (smart cars) will further highlight the need for an intelligent infrastructure that is able to manage all of these new initiatives.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Synopsis

2. Key trends and developments

2.1 Spending increases to $2.4 billion in 2012

2.2 The Internet of Things and user-generated internet energy

2.3 Smart Grids and the Digital Economy

2.4 Price of electricity to double

2.5 Smart meters in Victoria - Case Study (separate report)

3. Industry Surveys

3.1 Smart grid: $5 billion in annual benefits

3.2 Smart grids and CO2 emission savings

3.3 Smart grids studies - Logica

4. Green economy

4.1 New jobs for an aging industry

4.2 Clean energy resources in regional Australia could lead to employment and investment opportunities

5. Government initiatives

5.1 Review of smart meter consumer protections and pricing in Australia

5.2 Smart Energy - Clean Energy Program

5.3 Prime Minister's Task Group on Energy Efficiency

5.4 Smart grid to deliver renewable energy

5.5 The Prime Minister on smart grids

6. Regulatory framework

6.1 Confusion regarding regulations

6.2 Action needed

7. The Smart Grid Market - Analysis 2011

7.1 Making good progress

7.2 Industry and society transformation

7.3 Off to a very bad start

7.4 From cheap to expensive electricity

7.5 Smart grid projects

7.6 Smart grids and climate change

7.7 Energy efficiency

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/d22fbe/australia_smart