Monash University to represent Australia in global effort for clean energy innovation

84
Image credit: CSIRO

Monash University is among the key collaborators representing Australia in a global effort to drive clean energy innovation and combat climate change. 

As part of the global initiative, Monash will join CSIRO, the Australian Energy Market Operator, and the University of Melbourne in leading the Electric Power Innovation for a Carbon-free Society (EPICS) Centre

The EPICS Centre will serve as a global pioneer for transformative computing, economic strategies, engineering solutions, and forward-thinking policy aimed at establishing a completely renewable energy power grid. 

The project is a joint effort between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. 

Dr Behrooz Bahrani, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering and the director of the Grid Innovation Hub, will be at the forefront of Monash’s involvement in the global project. 

“Being a part of the prestigious EPICS Centre, in collaboration with leading national and international institutes, underscores our collective commitment to pioneering solutions towards a carbon-free society. With a keen focus on addressing challenges related to solid-state inverters, our work aims not only to optimise renewable energy integration but also to ensure a seamless transition to a 100 per cent renewable energy mix,” Bahrani said. 

“Harnessing the potential of inverter-based resources, while mitigating their inherent challenges, is vital for the world’s journey towards sustainable and equitable energy systems. This ground-breaking initiative champions both technical innovation and global collaboration, as we stride forward in our mission towards a net-zero future.” 

In a press release, Monash said the partnership signals the growing global consensus on tackling climate change. 

By pouring resources into clean energy innovation and research, these institutions are taking significant strikes toward reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the impacts of global warming.