Australia’s infrastructure sector continues to expand rapidly, with annual expenditure surpassing AUD 50 billion in 2024. This growth has placed increasing pressure on the energy requirements of major construction projects, which still depend heavily on grid electricity and diesel generation. Peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity trading—where households and small energy farms share surplus renewable power through local microgrids—offers a sustainable alternative.
This paper reviews recent research and emerging practice on P2P energy systems, focusing on how these models could supply temporary or distributed construction sites. Drawing on international studies and Australian trials, it examines the technological, regulatory, and social aspects of implementation. The review concludes that P2P electricity trading can reduce costs, lower emissions, and improve community engagement if supported by appropriate policy frameworks and digital infrastructure.