As Australia continues to expand its renewable energy footprint, embedded electricity networks are playing an increasingly important role in supporting distributed energy systems. From integrating solar PV and EV charging to enabling battery storage, embedded networks offer a framework for smarter, more efficient energy use within multi-tenant buildings, shopping centres, and retirement villages.
While embedded networks are not a new concept, their applications in clean energy infrastructure are evolving. However, to realise their benefits fully, both in terms of sustainability and cost-efficiency, careful design, planning, and management are essential.
This article examines how embedded networks contribute to the renewable energy transition, identifies common areas that influence their performance, and outlines considerations for ensuring these networks deliver long-term value.
An embedded network is a private electricity system that supplies multiple customers, usually within the same property or precinct, through a single grid connection point. These networks are commonly found in apartment buildings, shopping centres, retirement villages and business parks.
By enabling a centralised approach to buying, selling and distributing energy, embedded networks create opportunities for solar generation and battery storage, and controlled EV charging infrastructure - all of which support reduced emissions and more sustainable outcomes.
Embedded networks allow for shared access to on-site solar generation. A centralised solar installation can serve multiple users within the network, reducing grid dependence and lowering energy costs.
Accurate system sizing and real-time monitoring are key to ensuring the solar output is matched to usage patterns, particularly in mixed-use developments where energy demand varies throughout the day. You can learn more about this on our Solar Generation page.
As electric vehicles become more mainstream, embedded networks offer a structured way to manage EV charging across shared properties. These systems support efficient load balancing, user-level billing, and more strategic planning around charger placement.
Most apartment buildings lack sufficient power supply for every parking space to have a dedicated EV charging station. Installing multiple chargers without proper planning can overload the building’s electrical system, resulting in substantial costs to upgrade infrastructure later. If your solution partner isn’t discussing how to understand and manage your demand, it’s essential to ask more questions to ensure your EVSE deployment is safe and future-proof.
Batteries provide an additional layer of flexibility to embedded networks. They allow for the storage of surplus solar generation, improve resilience during peak demand periods, and can potentially support grid services.
The technical and commercial viability of battery energy storage systems varies depending on usage patterns, regulatory settings, and site-specific factors. There are numerous benefits from implementing battery storage and having a good understanding of these before proceeding is crucial.
Embedded networks offer long-term benefits, but their effectiveness depends on how well they are implemented and managed. Certain areas such as compliance, pricing structures, and system visibility are critical to their success but can be overlooked during planning or operation.
To explore this in greater detail, read our related article: Hidden Tasks in an Embedded Network, which highlights common blind spots and how to avoid them.
Key considerations include:
Regulatory Alignment
Ongoing updates to rules under the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) mean embedded networks must be designed to meet current and future compliance requirements. Appointing an accredited Embedded Network Manager is part of ensuring long-term flexibility and access to energy retail choice.
Tariff Design and Billing Systems
Transparent and fair pricing is central to maintaining stakeholder trust and ensuring that the economic benefits of renewable integration are realised. Accurate metering, user-specific billing, and tailored tariff structures help support both commercial viability and customer satisfaction. Learn how metering and billing services contribute to this process.
Network Visibility and Data Access
Data plays a crucial role in understanding energy consumption, identifying inefficiencies, and reporting to regulators. Our energy analytics and reporting tools support proactive energy management and simplify operational decision-making.
As embedded networks become more central to the renewable energy transition, so too does the need for strategic, experienced support.
At ENM Solutions, we provide end-to-end guidance to help developers, operators, retailers and asset owners unlock the full potential of their networks.
Here’s how we support our clients:
We don’t just manage compliance - we help you stay ahead of it, ensuring your embedded network supports your sustainability and commercial goals.
Australia’s renewable future will be built on smart infrastructure and embedded networks are a vital part of the puzzle. By enabling centralised solar, battery storage and EV charging, they empower buildings and communities to take control of their energy use and emissions.
But the value of an embedded network depends on how well it’s planned and managed.
With ENM Solutions by your side, you don’t just tick boxes - you unlock opportunity.
Let’s make your network greener, smarter, and more future-ready.
Contact ENM Solutions today to start your embedded energy journey.
