In 2024 the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program amalgamated with research groups from the School of Engineering at the Australian National University to form the Centre for Energy Systems. To accelerate decarbonisation and limit the effects of human-induced climate change there is an urgent need to integrate holistic systems-based approaches to prepare for increasing uncertainty and complexity. The Centre’s philosophy is to focus on interconnectivity and interdependency (systems approach) rather than cause and effect.

The Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program (BSGIP) was established in April 2018 with initial funding over a five-year period by the ACT Government through the Renewable Energy Innovation Fund initiative. The Program’s inaugural head was Professor Lachlan Blackhall, who led the Program until February 2024 when he was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation and the Australian National University. BSGIP is led by Associate Professor Heather Logie, Co-Director of the ANU Centre for Energy Systems (ACES).

BSGIP continues to undertake socio-techno-economic research, development and demonstration activities that support the global energy transition and help achieve economy-wide decarbonisation.

Work within the program encompasses detailed disciplinary work on components of the global energy system and on how we integrate these components together to support energy transition and decarbonisation. Staff within the Program have broad expertise that includes engineering, chemistry, computer sciences, physics, economics and the social sciences. The Program places a strong focus on translational research which is defined as simultaneously advancing the body of knowledge and advancing the practice in the field.

BSGIP is involved in a number of key national projects worth over $119M and incorporating more than 30 partners. To see project-specific partners please refer to the Research pages.

Hosted within The Australian National University by the School of Engineering (within the College of Systems and Society) the Program comprises more than 50 staff and students with diverse academic, industry, gender and cultural backgrounds. 

The Program receives funding from various industry partners and grant bodies.