Energy trading platform Power Ledger has struck a multi-government partnership that will see ‘blockchain-ready’ homes built in Fremantle, Western Australia.
The deal involves creating a community called ‘East Village’ in the suburb of Knutsford, which will run entirely on renewable energy.
Power Ledger says it’s come together with Western Australian Government land developer LandCorp and the Australian Government’s Smart Cities initiative to launch the project, which will create blockchain-ready homes, a microgrid supply network for water and power and a shared on-site battery.
“The property industry is in a unique position to drive energy change from the ground up,” said Power Ledger Managing Director David Martin.
“This project highlights how developers can choose to make smarter, more efficient choices when it comes to homes.”
The development will see a 670kW/h battery ultimately owned and shared by the individual homeowners.
Future residents of the 36 townhouse urban village will also be able to generate their own power using individual solar systems and then share the electricity using the Power Ledger platform across a ‘microgrid.’
“Power Ledger’s platform allows residents to sell excess solar power from the panels on their roofs directly to their neighbours at a better price, rather than selling back to the traditional grid,” Mr Martin said.
“Our energy trading software gives people the option to purchase green energy rather than energy from fossil fuel sources, even if they don’t have solar panels on their own home.”
The development also includes a microgrid supply network for water and each home will be fitted with an electric vehicle charger.
Western Australian Government Lands Minister Ben Wyatt says the 1.5 hectare development will set new benchmarks for affordable and sustainable living.
“The mix of innovations at East Village at Knutsford provides a great insight into what it is possible for us to achieve in modern sustainable residential infill developments,” Mr Wyatt said.
“LandCorp is leading by doing, and this project demonstrates to the wider construction industry just what is possible in creating connected and affordable communities.”
Power Ledger says East Village at Knutsford will be tracked and assessed by an on-site living laboratory, in partnership with Curtin University.
“The research program will build a dataset to demonstrate the value of the innovations and work towards WA’s second One Planet Living accreditation,” the company said.
Power Ledger’s technology is currently being trialled in several places across Western Australia as well as in Thailand, Japan and the United States.