Australia is facing unprecedented levels of uncertainty across its energy networks with market disruption, changing customer needs and new technology. CSIRO predicts that homes and businesses could be powered by over 20 different energy sources and technologies by 2050.

Network operator and owner, Powerlink, is anticipating and navigating the challenges of the energy market with the release of its 30-year Network Vision, identifying a range of uncertainties, drivers and opportunities that will shape their future.

Powerlink’s future has implications for four million Queenslanders who rely on them to provide their electricity service today and into the future. Aurecon co-created a vision with Powerlink that will help guide it into the next 30 years with the 2050 Network Vision.

Scenario planning and strategic advice from Aurecon’s future energy team unlocked possibilities for Powerlink’s future services and sustainability of its business, including its role in the energy industry.

The Network Vision sets out a blueprint for supporting a transition to a low carbon economy, while ensuring access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for Powerlink’s customers.

Setting the scene for collaboration

The process began with a workshop between Aurecon’s project leaders and Powerlink’s Executive team, setting the scene for collaboration.

Design Wave exploration workshops with more than 200 stakeholders were then conducted to obtain input, insights and ideas for the Network Vision. Participants included Powerlink employees and customers, and energy industry representatives.

Workshops were playful with serious intent, offering participants something completely different to what they had previously experienced. In one activity, participants were asked to experience the future, one decade at a time, by moving to different physical spaces. Each decade’s activity was contained in a different room with unique elements that engaged the five senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch.

These senses were incorporated into bespoke settings for each decade, to elevate participants’ thinking and reinforce the progression of time. The different environments were intended to disconnect stakeholders from today’s energy environment and their pre-existing biases, so they would feel comfortable and creative to think about the future.

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