The Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program hosts two world-class laboratories enabling cutting-edge research to optimise power systems and explore the next generation of batteries.
Distributed Energy Resources Laboratory (DERlab)
A state-of-the-art testing facility which mirrors the energy grid. The Distributed Energy Resources Laboratory provides the Australian and international research and development community with a fail-safe power system in which to rapidly, efficiently, and securely develop and test the technologies and systems before deploying them.
The DERlab includes an electrically equivalent distribution network, transformers, batteries, solar generation as well as high speed, monitoring, control and optimisation capabilities. The DERlab represents an important national facility for collaborative development and testing of new capabilities to support the operation of electricity systems with a high-uptake of renewable and distributed generation and energy storage.
The DERlab has been made possible by the investment of $1.5 million from the ACT Government’s Priority Investment Program and $500,000 from the Australian Government as part of the National Institute’s Grant, provided to ANU.
The Lab opened to researchers, educators and industry partners in July 2021. Find out more about the lab here: der-lab.net.au
Contact: Dr Björn Sturmberg, Research Leader, Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program, Australian National University.
Partners: ITP Renewables, evoenergy and UNSW Canberra.
Watch this video to look inside the lab and learn more about its capabilities.
Battery Materials and Energy Storage Laboratory (Battery Lab)
In a decarbonising world, energy storage is ever-increasing in importance. With more renewable forms of energy coming into play and an increase in electrification of vehicles and devices, we need to find more sustainable forms of batteries and storage.
This national facility enables research into new battery storage technologies including lithium-ion, sodium-ion and potassium-ion batteries, hybrid capacitors and supercapacitors. The Battery Lab supports the characterisation, development and performance testing of battery materials, electrolytes and devices.
The facility is hosted within the Research School of Chemistry at ANU.
The Battery Lab was officially opened via an online event in February 2021. View the video recording here.
Find out more about the research being enabled through the Battery Lab.
Take a virtual tour of the Battery Lab here.
Contact: Associate Professor Alexey Glushenkov, Research Lead, Materials and New Technologies for Battery Storage, School of Chemistry, Australian National University.