Linking residential densities, dwelling typologies and possible provisions for localised energy infrastructure in retrofitting urban forms

![CDATA[In a resource constrained future, localised energy generation is likely to be a critical pathway to fulfill future energy demand. This paper presents how existing low, medium and high density residential developments with respective dwelling typologies could be retrofitted effectively with renewable energy infrastructure provisions. Localised energy infrastructure in this paper includes provision of photovoltaic modules (PV), solar hot water panels (SHW) and small wind turbines (SWT). This research initially reviews international and national pioneering residential projects applying renewable energy generation techniques. Key approaches and mechanisms are identified considering: residential densities; dwelling typologies; levels of distributed infrastructure provisions; energy outputs and funding, management and implementation methods. Using aerial photographs, GIS and census data, potential for localised energy infrastructure in three low, medium and high density case studies are determined. The factors considered are: dwelling orientation; available solar efficient building roof areas; dwelling typologies; occupancy pattern, demand and available land areas for localised infrastructure provisions. An energy infrastructure-residential urban form matrix developed is able to inform potential linkages of localised infrastructure provisions with dwelling typologies in different density residential urban forms. Research outcomes indicate that the dwellings’ typologies, site orientation, available roof and vertical surface areas and open spaces govern the possible provisions of on site energy infrastructure in different residential developments.]]