CSIRO launches new hybrid energy technology R&D hub

Hot on the heels of the launch of the Australian National University-based grid-scale energy storage research facility, Australia’s premier science and research organisation, CSIRO, has announced the launch of its Centre for Hybrid Energy Systems.

The centre, launched on Thursday, will be a national hub for collaborative research into cutting edge renewable and hybrid energy technologies, in particular to identify, improve and tailor energy technologies to specific requirements.

CSIRO says configurations might include renewable or non-renewable energy sources, electrical and chemical energy storage and fuel cells, often connected via a smart grid.

The Centre will also provide education, testing and certification services for emerging battery storage, hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

Partnering the CSIRO in the venture will be Delta Energy Systems Australia, a developer and manufacturer of electric vehicle, solar-supported, and fast-charging technologies.

Delta Energy Systems Australia Director Allen Chao said his company was set embark on a range of collaborative research projects with CSIRO in this field.

The collaborative space will also be used to share the benefits of emerging hybrid energy systems with industry and government to maximise the value of local energy sources.

CSIRO Fellow Dr Sukhvinder Badwal said global demand for hybrid energy systems was growing rapidly, thanks to increased availability of renewable and modular power generation and storage technologies like batteries.

“These technologies are becoming cost competitive, but the key to greater use is to combine them in connected hybrid systems,” Dr Badwal said.

“By doing this, we can offer substantial improvements in performance, reliability of power, flexibility and cost.”