As the electric vehicle market in Australia continues to expand, the demand for robust, efficient, and sustainable charging infrastructure is intensifying. Creating that infrastructure is no easy feat, however. It’s locked behind a number of challenges facing an energy sector working to improve grid connections, stability & capacity.
Ahead of the EV Charging Conference 2025, four energy industry leaders shared their perspectives on unlocking the vast potential of EVs in Australia by eliminating the regulatory, technological, and governance roadblocks facing the energy sector.
Read on for insights from:
- Carly Irving-Dolan, Executive Director, Prospecta Utilities
- Glenn Springall, General Manager, Renewables & Distributed Energy, Energy Queensland
- Darrin Compton, Retail Business Lead, CS Energy
- Andy Kondola, Senior Systems and Network Planning Manager, Horizon Power
How Can Electricity Networks Evolve to Support Increasing Demand for EV Charging?
Carly Irving-Dolan, Executive Director at Prospecta Utilities, emphasised the need to invest in smart grid technologies that enable dynamic load management. She explained that “This involves upgrading infrastructure to handle peak loads, integrating distributed energy resources like solar and battery systems, and deploying demand response programs to shift EV charging to off-peak times, reducing strain on the grid.”
Glenn Springall, General Manager at Energy Queensland, highlighted the importance of improving network visibility and capabilities to enable flexibility in EV charging. "By shifting charging to off-peak times or being flexible with charge rates, like midday when solar energy is plentiful, we can better use the capacity of the existing network and lessen the need to augment for peak periods.”
Darrin Compton, Retail Business Lead at CS Energy, said that “Australia’s electricity networks need significant evolution to accommodate the increasing demand of EVs. This transformation involves upgrades in infrastructure, smarter energy management, and regulatory reforms.” He pointed to the need for more utility-scale batteries and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, alongside better smart grid technology with dynamic load management, smart meters, sensors, mobile apps and real time data. He also noted the importance of regulatory and policy reforms involving time-of-use pricing, incentivising smart charging, and streamlining permits and approvals.
How Can Innovations Like Renewables, Battery Tech, or Smart Grid Solutions Improve Energy Storage and Management?
Glenn Springall likened the energy transition to the smartphone revolution. "Just like smartphones revolutionised communication, advancements in customer energy resources, renewables, battery technology, electric vehicles, home energy management systems and smart grids are transforming how we move, store and manage energy.
Following on, Carly Irving-Dolan highlighted the role of renewables and smart grids in balancing supply and demand, explaining that “Smart grid solutions enable real-time monitoring and balancing of energy supply and demand, allowing for better integration of these resources. Together, they ensure energy reliability, reduce waste, and stabilise the grid during high-demand periods, such as when EVs are charging.”
Darrin Compton emphasised the role of diverse renewable energy sources and smart grids that enable dynamic adjustments in energy usage, allowing consumers to shift consumption to off-peak times and reduce strain on the grid. He also noted the benefits of peer-to-peer energy trading platforms that enable individuals to sell excess energy, fostering a decentralised energy economy.
Andy Kondola elaborated on Horizon Power’s vision for distributed energy networks, saying that “We can harness solar and wind power to generate renewable energy, but these are intermittent power sources.” The key to unlocking those renewables are batteries and Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) that can “can help manage two-way energy flows from multiple, distributed resources, ramping it up or down when needed.”
How can Energy Policies be Aligned with Long-Term EV Infrastructure Goals?
Andy Kondola offered a high-level view, stating that “We need to consider the holistic environment of government policies, legislation and regulation, customer needs and desires, infrastructure delivery and electricity supply.”
Similarly, Carly Irving-Dolan advocates that “Policymakers should prioritise creating a cohesive framework that incentivises private investment in charging infrastructure while ensuring equitable access for all communities. This includes harmonising standards for charging technology, incorporating EV infrastructure planning into urban development, and aligning incentives with emissions reduction targets to future-proof the energy ecosystem.”
Darrin Compton added that “To align energy policies with long-term EV infrastructure goals, policymakers need to consider several key principles that ensure sustainability, adaptability, and equity.” For sustainability, he emphasised the importance of future-proof investment policies designed to encourage investments in scalable infrastructure; advanced forecasting modelling to anticipate long-term EV charging patterns; and policies that synchronise EV charging with renewable energy production. On the adaptability front, Darrin emphasised the need for shared investment arrangements, clear roadmaps, benchmarking against global leaders, and harmonisation with global standards. With regard to equity goals, Darrin highlighted the importance of universal access, affordable EV policies, and inclusive participation.
Glenn Springall stressed the importance of tailored infrastructure. “When planning for the future of EV infrastructure, it’s essential to consider both passenger EVs and heavy vehicles. The charging needs of each sector and segments within each sector vary and depend on transportation strategies. Energy and transportation policies must be aligned to achieve optimal infrastructure goals. Ideally, EV infrastructure should be placed where the electricity network has sufficient capacity. However, this isn’t always feasible, especially in remote areas. Therefore, energy policies should support localised and decentralised energy solutions to facilitate EV infrastructure rollout in areas with limited network capacity or high augmentation costs. Imagine a future where charging stations are as common as street lights.”
How Can Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology Be Maximised to Improve Grid Stability While Driving More EV Charging Infrastructure?
Glenn Springall described V2G as a "two-way street for electricity." He noted that “To leverage V2G for grid stability, a large fleet of V2G-enabled vehicles is needed, capable of responding in real-time to network and market signals." Similarly, Darrin Compton outlined the practical applications of V2G, such as peak demand management, frequency regulation, backup power during outages, and aiding in renewable energy integration. Likewise, Andy Kondola noted that “An EV battery could put three or more days of stored energy back into a household in times of need. It’s another way to bring medium duration battery storage into play and make energy supply more resilient.”
To achieve these benefits of V2G, Carly Irving-Dolan highlighted the importance of incentives and partnerships. "V2G technology can be maximised by incentivising EV owners to participate in grid support programs, where their vehicles can discharge energy during peak demand. Coordinating V2G with smart grid systems allows utilities to use EV batteries as a distributed energy resource, enhancing grid resilience. Additionally, fostering partnerships between automakers, utilities, and policymakers can accelerate the deployment of V2G-compatible infrastructure and promote widespread adoption.”
The Future of EV Charging Infrastructure in Australia
The transition to electric mobility is reshaping energy systems worldwide, but the transition is not without its obstacles. Addressing the challenges of EV charging requires a combination of innovative technologies, forward-thinking policies, and collaborative efforts. By leveraging smart grids, renewable energy, and V2G technology, Australia can drive a sustainable, resilient energy future that supports the growing EV market.
Hear from Carly Irving-Dolan (Prospecta Utilities), Glenn Springall (Energy Queensland), Darrin Compton (CS Energy), Andy Kondola (Horizon Power) and over 35 other EV leaders at the EV Charging Conference 2025 in Melbourne from 18-20 March 2025. Learn more.
To access the detailed conference program, download the brochure here.