CSIRO opens hybrid energy centre

CSIRO has launched the Centre for Hybrid Energy Systems — a collaborative facility where researchers and industry will identify, improve and tailor renewable and hybrid energy technologies to meet specific requirements.

Combining two or more forms of energy generation, storage or end-use technologies, hybrid systems are said to deliver overall cost and efficiency benefits compared with single-source energy systems. CSIRO Fellow Dr Sukhvinder Badwal said there is a rapidly growing global demand for hybrid energy systems based on increased availability of renewable and modular power generation and storage technologies such as batteries, fuel cells and household solar.

“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.”

Delta Energy Systems Australia, a Centre for Hybrid Energy Systems partner, is a developer and manufacturer of environmentally friendly electric vehicle, solar-supported, fast-charging technologies. Director Allen Chao said his company is set to embark on a range of collaborative research projects with CSIRO in this field.

“The opening of the Centre for Hybrid Energy Systems will expand research in this area and marks a significant milestone to ensure the success of any industry cooperation,” Chao said.

The centre will be used to share the benefits of emerging hybrid energy systems with industry and government to maximise the value of local energy sources. It will also provide education, testing and certification services. For more information, visit www.csiro.au/ches.