Work Package 7: Scaling, translating and sustaining socio-technical knowledge

Ensuring long-term impact of energy research

For research to drive meaningful change, it must be scaled, translated, and sustained beyond individual projects. This work package complements WPs 1-6 via the collection of indoor climate and energy use data to supplement understandings of householders' practices and their relationship with energy. It aims to understand how socio-technical knowledge generated through household instrumentation and engagement can be: (1) scaled and (2) translated to address national level challenges ensures that the insights, models and innovations developed across WPs 1-6 are expanded to a national level, integrated into industry practice, and embedded into long-term energy transition planning.

Leads

Key researchers

Key research questions

  • How can the knowledge generated in WP1-6 be scaled up to address national energy challenges?
  • How are everyday practices, technologies and social trends reflected in households' energy use and demand?
  • How can research engagement with energy stakeholders be sustained long-term and translated into practical applications for policymakers, industry and households?

Our approach

WP7 is supported by and builds upon the National Energy Analysis Centre (NEAC) to ensure that the Scenarios for Future Living (SFL) project has a lasting impact. This work package operates across three core areas:

  1. Scaling research to a national level

    Expanding the reach and applicability of research findings by:

    • Managing a parallel study of 30-40 households, tracking energy behaviours, environmental factors, and consumption data over the project’s duration.
    • Contributing expertise to WP2’s technology trend analysis, ensuring alignment with CSIRO’s ongoing energy research.
    • Supporting stakeholder engagement for WP6’s Energy Transition Forum, ensuring national representation.
    • Expanding WP1 and WP3's Scenarios for Future Living by integrating larger datasets from CSIRO’s public energy transition surveys.
  2. Translating research into practical applications

    Ensuring that findings are usable and actionable by:

    • Using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to integrate SFL’s social and technical data into industry forecasting models.
    • Running parallel modelling exercises, comparing WP4's scenario modelling with CSIRO's own MBSE-based forecasts.
    • Feeding real-world household insights into WP5's product and service prototypes, increasing their potential for long-term adoption.
  3. Sustaining engagement and industry collaboration

    Ensuring research impact extends beyond the project by:

    • Using CSIRO’s NEAC living laboratory to continue engagement with households and industry.
    • Aligning research ethics and data-sharing standards to enable long-term cross-institutional collaboration.
    • Helping to sustain WP6's Energy Transition Forum beyond the project’s duration.
    • Delivering the SFL Roadmap Report, providing a framework for maintaining and expanding the project’s findings into the future.

    4. Key outputs

  • CSIRO Household Research Reports (Years 1, 2 and 3) – In-depth findings from CSIRO-led research with 30-40 households, incorporating electricity, gas (if applicable) and indoor climate monitoring at every household.
  • MBSE Modelling Reports (Years 2 and 3) – Complementary quantitative modelling aligned with WP4's Scenarios for Future Living.
  • SFL Roadmap Report (Year 3) – Outlining how project outcomes can be maintained, scaled, and extended beyond the project’s lifespan, including a long-term strategy for the Australian Energy Transition Forum.

By scaling, translating, and sustaining research insights, WP7 ensures that the Scenarios for Future Living project continues to shape Australia’s energy transition long after its completion.