The policy settings that could supercharge neighbourhood batteries

ANU Policy Brief, 25 September, 2024

New research has confirmed neighbourhood batteries’ potential, but shown that network position, battery operation settings, and tariffs will be critical to maximising their benefit.

EV charger

Reforming tariffs to unleash the potential of neighbourhood batteries

ANU Policy Brief, 25 September, 2024

Analysing five tariffs trialled by Australian networks, ANU researchers have identified the best design for tariffs on neighbourhood batteries – a ‘two-way time-of-use’ tariff design. They also found that if battery management systems can shoulder the burden of managing tariffs, households and the grid would benefit.

Solar panels on roof

Dr Bjorn Sturmberg named ACT Scientist of the Year

ACT Government Press Release, 12 August, 2024

Clean energy technology scientist Dr Bjorn Sturmberg has been awarded the 2024 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year Award. His important work explores how electric vehicles and batteries can integrate with the power grid.

Bjorn Sturmberg

Are we overestimating green hydrogen production?

ANU Policy Brief, 5 August, 2024

‘Green’ hydrogen – produced from renewable energy sources – is currently much more expensive than hydrogen produced from fossil fuels but it is receiving major research interest and investment. New ANU research reveals that the models commonly used to estimate green hydrogen production are neglecting an important variable, potentially leading to a significant overestimation in hydrogen production and, thereby, financial viability. 

Evaluating the impact of neighbourhood batteries: new reports

BSGIP news story 17 July, 2024

Neighbourhood batteries (NBs) have the potential to offer many benefits such as allowing more rooftop solar, supporting electrification and sharing the benefits of energy storage with consumers. Two new reports by the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program provide guidance as to what conditions are necessary in order to unlock the benefits of NBs.

Tarneit community battery

Watt equity? Australians deserve a Basic Energy Right

Thought leadership article by Dr Bjorn Sturmberg, 11 July, 2024

This article argues that the energy transition is not on track to improve equity and makes the case for energy should be a right for all Australians with all households receiving a modest amount of energy free of charge to meet their essential needs. 

Australian Quarterly cover

Electric vehicles fed power into Australian grid during blackout

ANU Press Release, 9 July, 2024

During a major storm event that eventually cut power to tens of thousands of homes, a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) were able to feed power back into Australia’s electricity grid, according to a new report from the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program.

Recentering the energy transition on people

BSGIP news story, 14 June, 2024

Profile piece on BSGIP’s newest social scientist, Dr Rex Martin, and his research interests.

Rex Martin

Electric vehicle charger re-opens 

BSGIP news story, 4 June, 2024

The electric vehicle charger located in the Geology Close carpark, in front of the Ian Ross Building, is open for use once again. The charger, the first to be installed on the ANU campus, was installed in 2021 for research purposes as part of the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program’s Distributed Energy Resources Laboratory (DERlab). 

Woman charging electric vehicle

Exploring microgrids in the Australian context

BSGIP news story, 31 May, 2024

This article focuses on two recently published SURF reports; a technical report that lays out a number of scenarios using real-world data applied to selected sites, and a social science report examining governance, social and regulatory issues under the current system.

Flexible demand software to give power back to customers

ARENA Press Release, 3 May, 2024

BSGIP is working with Birdwood Energy to build a software tool which will help commercial and industrial businesses realise their flexible demand potential. 

Binary code concept pattern

ANU experts to power path to all-electric ACT

ANU Press Release, 4 December, 2023

A map to guide the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)’s transition to an all-electric economy will be developed by experts at The Australian National University (ANU).   

High voltage electrical tower pylon.  in Plenty, Melbourne, Australia in Dec, 2016.

Energy experts meet to forge pathway for neighbourhood batteries

News story, 4 December, 2023

Leaders in the field of renewable energy travelled from across Australia to the Australian National University (ANU) to share the latest developments in neighbourhood battery research and progress updates on government-funded trials at the second ANU Future of Neighbourhood Batteries Conference, hosted by the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program (BSGIP).

Dr Kerry Schott AO & A/Prof Marnie Shaw

Maximising insights from neighbourhood battery projects

Energy Magazine, 2 November, 2023

A team of researchers from the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program has been working to develop a framework for neighbourhood batteries which will help government organisations in the evaluation of government-funded neighbourhood battery projects and programs.

Energymag_pic

Net zero by 2050? Too late. Australia must aim for 2035

The Conversation, 21 September, 2023

This year’s heightened drumbeat of extreme weather shows us how little time we actually have to slash emissions writes Mark Howden, Frank Jotzo, Ken Baldwin, Kylie Catchpole, Kylie Walker and Lachlan Blackhall.

 

TC_NetZero2035

BSGIP provides submission to ACT Government’s Integrated Energy Plan

BSGIP news story, 18 September, 2023

BSGIP’s submission recognises the increasingly decentralised nature of the energy landscape with consumer energy resources such as solar panels, home batteries, and electric vehicles playing an increasing role in the energy transition.

ACT Govt Integrated Energy Plan

Distrust of the energy industry could slow the rollout of all-electric households

Switched On podcast & accompanying news article, 12 September, 2023

Dr Hedda Ransan-Cooper, one of Australia’s leading energy social scientists, discusses what she has learnt from her countless interviews with Australians discussing the energy transition and new energy technologies.

Hedda_Ransan-Cooper

5 Rs of reducing carbon emissions from university air travel

Linked In blog post, 8 September, 2023

When it comes to reducing carbon emissions from university air travel, the 5 Rs can help us – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle, writes Associate Professor Kim Blackmore.

Laptop

Well this is awkward: confronting carbon emissions in academic air travel

Linked In blog post, 28 August, 2023

Blog post by Associate Professor Kim Blackmore. Kim is working on the Australian National University’s Below Zero initiative, which aims to transition the University from being a source of greenhouse gas emissions to a carbon sink.

World map with a toy plane and a pointing finger on it.

Are all-renewable microgrids the future for regional Australia facing climate disasters?

ABC Science, 22 August, 2023

As Australia prepares for more extreme weather events, what role might microgrids play in building resilience in our energy system? Featuring expert commentary by Dr Hedda Ransan-Cooper.

Houses with solar panels by the coast

Solar hours heating redefining regional battery storage requirements

Energy magazine, 4 August, 2023

A recent collaboration involving BSGIP and a regional Victorian town has had surprising and positive results in proving that moving electric hot water heating from nighttime to during solar hours has the potential to massively reduce required battery storage.

Rooftop solar panels

Buying time for the Great Barrier Reef

BSGIP news story, 6 July, 2023

Imagine shading the waters of the Great Barrier Reef by enhancing the cloud cover about it? Sounds like science fiction right? BSGIP student Dan Virah-Sawmy is part of a world first implementation project aiming to demonstrate just that.

Dan standing next to a cloud brightening machine

BSGIP marks 5th anniversary with Impact Report

BSGIP news story, 28 June, 2023

The Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program celebrated a milestone anniversary in 2023 with the Program officially operational for five years. To mark the occasion, BSGIP has released a 5 Year Impact Report detailing the Program’s significant achievements.

Lachlan Blackhall at the launch

Community batteries are popular – but we have to make sure they actually help share power

The Conversation, 17 May, 2023

In this opinion piece a team of experts from the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program bring the discussion back to the fundamental ‘why’. Why use this form of mid-scale storage?

Tarneit community battery

‘From brains to batteries’ – Associate Professor Marnie Shaw

News story, 15 May, 2023

Profile on BSGIP research leader, Marnie Shaw.

Marnie Shaw

World-first flexible export limits are coming to rooftop solar. Here’s how they work

ABC Science online, 14 March, 2023

Featuring expert commentary on flexible export limits, also known as dynamic operating envelopes, by BSGIP’s Andrew Fraser. 

Solar panels on house roof

Australian renewable energy struggles to hit grid with one solar farm wasting half its yearly output

The Guardian, 24 February 2023

Report on curtailment in the grid featuring expert commentary by BSGIP’s Jack Sorensen.

Sun shining on solar panels

Explainer: What is congestion and curtailment in the National Electricity Market (NEM)? 

BSGIP Explainer, 20 February 2023

This explainer seeks to answer some common questions around congestion and curtailment.

Solar farm with workers

Curtailment due to congestion: what’s the state of play?

BSGIP news story, 20 February 2023

Report on the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program’s submission to the Energy Security Board’s Transmission Access Reform Directions paper. 

Solar panels

Electric buses put to the test under Australian conditions

BSGIP news story, 14 February, 2023

Researchers from the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program have developed a new tool, using data collected from Australia’s largest electric bus pilot project. This new tool can assist other bus fleets looking to make the switch to electric.

Electric bus

The future of neighbourhood batteries is now

BSGIP news story, 13 February, 2023

Report on the Future of Neighbourhood Batteries in Australia conference held at ANU in November 2022.

NSB_conference

Inter-laboratory visit paves the way towards greater Indonesia-Australia collaboration in battery development

News story, 10 February, 2023

Report on a visit by a team of Indonesian engineers to Australian battery laboratories, including BSGIP’s Battery Materials and Energy Storage Laboratory.

Indonesian delegation in the ANU Battery Lab

Why community batteries could be the next step in the solar power revolution

ABC online, 19 January, 2023

This year the federal government will begin rolling out 400 community, or neighbourhood, batteries. With expert commentary by Prof Lachlan Blackhall.

The Bohle Plains battery, Townsville

New research supports rapid decarbonisation of Australia’s energy system

BSGIP news story, 16 January, 2023

Research by the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program shines a light on the complex world of the National Electricity Market (NEM) and shows how dynamic carbon costs could play a critical role in improving the trade-off between emissions and costs.

Electricity,Power,In,Nature.,Clean,Energy,Concept.,Solar,Panel,With

As the world searches for safe, low-cost big batteries, an old Australian invention is getting new attention

Cosmos article, 9 December, 2022

Report on vanadium flow batteries, a 40 year-old Australian invention that is receiving renewed focus as our energy grids transition, with expert commentary by A/Prof Alexey Glushenkov.

Vanadium_flow_battery

Children’s book helps power clean energy transition

ANU news story, 7 November, 2022 

Renewable energy researcher at The Australian National University (ANU) and 2022 Tall Poppy recipient Dr Bjorn Sturmberg can now add published author to his resume with the launch of his new book, Amy’s Balancing Act, a children’s fable about the transition to clean energy. 

Children's_book

BSGIP researcher recognised for leadership in clean energy

BSGIP news story, 27 October, 2022 

Dr Marnie Shaw, Research Fellow with the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program (BSGIP), has been recognised for her leadership in clean energy, receiving a Chloe Munro Scholarship for Transformational Leadership from the Clean Energy Council.  

Marnie Shaw

Accolades for BSGIP at national engineering awards ceremony

BSGIP news story, 13 October, 2022 

The Program was recognised at the prestigious Engineers Australia national awards ceremony in Sydney last week receiving two honours, an individual award and a project finalist award.

52407558755_4a3b44781c_k

Young ANU scientist receives Tall Poppy honour

ANU News story, 10 October, 2022 

Dr Bjorn Sturmberg, Research Leader with the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program, has been honoured for excellence in research, and for the communication of that research beyond academia.

Bjorn and bidirectional EV charger

‘DEIP Dive’ 2022 explores a distributed energy future

ARENA News story, 29 September, 2022 

ARENA, Energy Networks Australia and the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program welcomed to the Australian National University close to 150 guests from industry, academia & government last month to discuss the integration of electric vehicles and other distributed energy resources. Summary Report.

Laura final panel discussion

Battery group student honoured with Global Undergraduate Award win

BSGIP News story, 13 September, 2022 

Oliver Hervir was recognised by the Global Undergraduate Awards, an international student competition in Dublin, Ireland, for his research into dual-carbon batteries.

Global_winner_graphic

Good news – there’s a clean energy gold rush under way. We’ll need it to tackle energy price turbulence and coal’s exodus

The Conversation, 2 September, 2022 

This week, the Australian Energy Market Operator warned gaps in electricity supply are likely within three years writes Bjorn Sturmberg.

Electricity power lines

One skill shortage more than any is holding back Australia in the race to net zero

Renew Economy, 31 August, 2022 

The race to create zero carbon economies is heating up dramatically in 2022. This is a race to not only secure a safe climate but also to secure prosperity in this century’s global economy writes Bjorn Sturmberg.

Solar farm with workers

Evolve takes out Engineers Australia Canberra Excellence Project Award

News story, 19 August, 2022 

The Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program and partner Zepben won this year’s Engineers Australia Canberra Excellence Project Award.

Lachlan Blackhall accepting awards at Engineers Australian Canberra event

Who will drive vehicle-to-grid?

Utility magazine, 2 August, 2022 

Opinion piece written by Bjorn Sturmberg, Kathryn Lucas-Healey and Laura Jones. 

ABCNews_article

Australians are installing rooftop solar like never before. Who is burdened with taking care of it?

The Conversation article, 15 July, 2022 

Our new research has found rooftop solar maintenance, as with other forms of housework, has the potential to become an equity issue. And the burden of this unrecognised work is set to worsen as the energy transition accelerates.

Solar panels wtih 'wash me' written in coating of dust

Energy crisis – report snapshot shows the state of renewables in Australia

ATSE briefing, 11 July, 2022 

Lachlan Blackhall was one of five energy experts to provide a briefing on the state-of-play of renewables recently. The briefing launched a new short report from the Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering: Here and now – the state of low emissions technology in Australia.

Electricity,Power,In,Nature.,Clean,Energy,Concept.,Solar,Panel,With

Electric vehicles pass the remote road test

ANU press release, 8 July, 2022 

Electric vehicles can handle the distances required to travel to essential services in remote and regional Australia, a new study from The Australian National University (ANU) has shown.  

Outback road signs

BSGIP teams up with ANU Research School of Earth Sciences to explore high pressure synthesis of battery materials

BSGIP news story, 27 June 2022 

Associate Professor Alexey Glushenkov and colleagues from the Research School of Earth Sciences received $180,000 from the ANU College of Science Research Strategic Programs funding for 2022 for a project looking at critical minerals at high pressures – novel compounds for storage batteries. 

Aerial photo ANU campus

The clean energy revolution is more than just a techno-fix

The Conversation article, 24 June 2022 

The Black Summer bushfires devastated parts of the Eurobodalla region in New South Wales. Then earlier this year, the area was hit by floods. As climate change threatens to bring more severe and frequent extreme weather events, how can we help future-proof such communities?

Tilba

Program extends research into agricultural industry with funding win

BSGIP news story, 23 June 2022 

Lachlan Blackhall recently led a team that was awarded funding in the latest round of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology Strategic Investment Program for a project titled ‘Multi Energy System Modelling for the Agricultural Sector’.

Pork_industry_win

NSW South Coast communities selected for microgrid studies 

BSGIP news story, 16 June 2022 

A federally funded project examining the use of microgrids to bolster local energy resilience has selected eight sites across the Eurobodalla for further studies.

Microgrid_concept

Australia – Germany collaboration evaluates dual-ion batteries with phosphorus negative electrodes

BSGIP news story, 15 June 2022 

The Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program’s battery materials team from the ANU Research School of Chemistry joined forces with the Munster Electrochemical Energy Technology (MEET) Centre to assess a new variety of dual-ion battery that utilises negative electrode materials containing black phosphorus.

AG

Victoria’s first inner-urban community battery heralds in a new age in shared renewable energy storage

BSGIP news story, 6 June 2022 

The launch of Melbourne’s first inner-urban community battery on Sunday 5 June is welcome news, and not just for the local Fitzroy North residents.

MattKrumins_COY_Battery_104897_220605_LowRes

Neighbourhood batteries: If you want to bring power to the people, you need to listen to what they want

Renew Economy, 25 May 2022 

A new paradigm is needed in the energy sector, one that encapsulates people’s hopes and ideals. Neighbourhood batteries could help with this, but the positive benefits are not guaranteed. Opinion article written by Hedda Ransan-Cooper, Marnie Shaw, Wendy Russell and Louise Bardwell.

Neighbourhood battery in foreground, suburban house in background.

Australia could rapidly shift to clean transport – if we had a strategy. So we put this plan together

The Conversation, 11 May 2022 

18 transport and energy experts have created an independent, science-based summary to support the decarbonisation of Australia’s transport sector. 

Compilation of various modes of transport

Australia needs to get motoring on clean transport strategy

ANU media release, 11 May 2022 

Co-author of the Framework for an Australian Clean Transport Strategy (FACTS), launched today, Dr Bjorn Sturmberg says the lack of clear direction is slowing our adoption of clean technologies, such as electric cars and buses.

Bjorn Sturmberg standing next to electric vehicle chargers on campus

Stockpiling solar power in suburban batteries

ARENA Rewired podcast, 28 April 2022 

Interview with Dr Marnie Shaw about a new wave of community energy projects.

Rooftop solar at Alkimos Beach

Optimism, Climate Change and Start-ups

Talking Tech Policy podcast, 9 May 2022 

Interview with Professor Lachlan Blackhall on what innovation really is and the value of ideas – drawing from Lachlan’s exquisite blog “Death of a Startup.”

Lachlan Blackhall

Powerline fires wreak havoc but a renewable microgrid alternative is rolling out

ABC online, 20 April 2022 

After a spate of bushfires, a Western Australian regional electrical network is replacing overhead lines in fire prone regions with off-grid solar and battery systems. Featuring commentary by Dr Elizabeth Ratnam.

Pig farm ablaze

A community battery ‘like a corner store’: Is this the future of home energy storage

ABC online, 5 April 2022 

Report on community, or neighbourhood batteries featuring expert commentary by Drs Marnie Shaw and Hedda Ransan-Cooper.

Community Battery, Western Power

First electric vehicle chargers now on campus

22 March 2022 

The Acton campus is now home to the University’s first electric vehicle (EV) chargers. One Type 2 EV charger and one bi-directional EV charger have been installed in the Geology Close carpark, in front of the Ian Ross building on North Road. The Type 2 charger is available to the ANU community, free of charge when not in use for research purposes.

VC_EVcharger_story

‘Cutting through the greenwash’: Australian energy retailers ranked on climate action

The Guardian, 8 February 2022 

Featuring expert commentary by Dr Hedda Ransan-Cooper, social science research lead at the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program.

Albany wind farm
Excuse me, can I use your car to stabilise and power the grid?

Clean Technica, 24 January 2022 

Article on the Realising Electric Vehicle-to-grid Services Interim Social Report.

Row of electric vehicles charging at a charging station.
The unknown unknowns of vehicle-to-grid tech

Clean Technica, 24 January, 2022

Article on the Realising Electric Vehicle-to-grid Services Interim Social Report.

Man charging an electric vehicle
V2G driving grid changes

PV Magazine, 15 January, 2022

The uptake of EVs in the years ahead will add up to staggering battery capacity, mostly sitting idle on driveways. Featuring commentary by Laura Jones, Senior Analyst at BSGIP

Electric school bus
Why it’s vital to put people at the heart of the energy transition

Renew Economy, 14 December, 2021

Thought leadership piece written by Dr Hedda Ransan-Cooper, social science research lead at BSGIP.

A family on grassy verge in front of the ocean.
Neighbourhood batteries in Australia

PV Tech Power, November, 2021

Written for an international audience, this article delves into the state-of-play of neighbourhood batteries in Australia.

Artist's impression of a neighbourhood battery in a Melbourne street
Australia’s R&D spend too low to fund future climate change technology breakthroughs: experts

The Canberra Times, 19 November, 2021

Expert commentary on the lack of R&D funding in Australia by Prof Andrew Blakers, Prof Frank Jotzo, Prof Lachlan Blackhall (pictured in the Distributed Energy Resources Lab at ANU) and Prof Mark Howden.

Lachlan Blackhall in the DERlab
A spark for the future

Opinion piece by Prof Lachlan Blackhall, Daily Telegraph, 5 November, 2021

The world is watching and waiting in anticipation as global leaders gather in Glasgow for  COP26, in the hope that international governments will agree actionable commitments that start to achieve rapid and sustained decarbonisation over the decades ahead.

Powerlines across hills
The rubber hits the road for Australia’s largest electric bus fleet project

BSGIP news story, 21 October, 2021

A new pilot project set to drive down emissions in public transport and heavy transport has today been announced. The $36 million project will consist of Australia’s largest electric bus fleet (40 buses), charging infrastructure and a retrofitted bus depot in Leichhardt, Sydney.

Electric bus
Local network pricing and community storage a powerful combo

Ecogeneration article featuring by Dr Bjorn Sturmberg, 15 October, 2021

If networks could charge for localised use of their service, all customers in areas with high PV and community-scale batteries would pay lower bills … with no cost to the network, research shows.

Community battery with woman and dog in the foreground
Many rooftop solar investors are feeling ripped off. Could battery subsidies solve the problem?

ABC online article featuring expert commentary by Professor Lachlan Blackhall, 30 September, 2021

Some solar owners are being told they can’t export power to the grid or are being hit with solar export limits due to fears the network can’t cope, meaning their excess clean energy is essentially being wasted.

Men carrying a battery

Research exchange enhances battery technology development in Samoa

BSGIP news story, 2 November, 2023

BSGIP hosted two research scientists from Samoa recently to help build capacity and strengthen the island nation’s ability to meet climate and energy challenges. The researchers spent valuable time in BSGIP’s state-of-the-art Battery Materials and Energy Storage Laboratory (Battery Lab) with Associate Professor Alexey Glushenkov.

Ms Aiomanu Penaia and Mr Faafetai Kolose in the Battery Lab

Maximising insights from neighbourhood battery projects

Energy Magazine, 2 November, 2023

A team of researchers from the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program has been working to develop a framework for neighbourhood batteries which will help government organisations in the evaluation of government-funded neighbourhood battery projects and programs.

Energymag_pic

Net zero by 2050? Too late. Australia must aim for 2035

The Conversation, 21 September, 2023

This year’s heightened drumbeat of extreme weather shows us how little time we actually have to slash emissions writes Mark Howden, Frank Jotzo, Ken Baldwin, Kylie Catchpole, Kylie Walker and Lachlan Blackhall.

 

TC_NetZero2035

BSGIP provides submission to ACT Government’s Integrated Energy Plan

BSGIP news story, 18 September, 2023

BSGIP’s submission recognises the increasingly decentralised nature of the energy landscape with consumer energy resources such as solar panels, home batteries, and electric vehicles playing an increasing role in the energy transition.

ACT Govt Integrated Energy Plan

Distrust of the energy industry could slow the rollout of all-electric households

Switched On podcast & accompanying news article, 12 September, 2023

Dr Hedda Ransan-Cooper, one of Australia’s leading energy social scientists, discusses what she has learnt from her countless interviews with Australians discussing the energy transition and new energy technologies.

Hedda_Ransan-Cooper

5 Rs of reducing carbon emissions from university air travel

Linked In blog post, 8 September, 2023

When it comes to reducing carbon emissions from university air travel, the 5 Rs can help us – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle, writes Associate Professor Kim Blackmore.

Laptop

Well this is awkward: confronting carbon emissions in academic air travel

Linked In blog post, 28 August, 2023

Blog post by Associate Professor Kim Blackmore. Kim is working on the Australian National University’s Below Zero initiative, which aims to transition the University from being a source of greenhouse gas emissions to a carbon sink.

World map with a toy plane and a pointing finger on it.

Are all-renewable microgrids the future for regional Australia facing climate disasters?

ABC Science, 22 August, 2023

As Australia prepares for more extreme weather events, what role might microgrids play in building resilience in our energy system? Featuring expert commentary by Dr Hedda Ransan-Cooper.

Houses with solar panels by the coast

Solar hours heating redefining regional battery storage requirements

Energy magazine, 4 August, 2023

A recent collaboration involving BSGIP and a regional Victorian town has had surprising and positive results in proving that moving electric hot water heating from nighttime to during solar hours has the potential to massively reduce required battery storage.

Rooftop solar panels

Buying time for the Great Barrier Reef

BSGIP news story, 6 July, 2023

Imagine shading the waters of the Great Barrier Reef by enhancing the cloud cover about it? Sounds like science fiction right? BSGIP student Dan Virah-Sawmy is part of a world first implementation project aiming to demonstrate just that.

Dan standing next to a cloud brightening machine

BSGIP marks 5th anniversary with Impact Report

BSGIP news story, 28 June, 2023

The Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program celebrated a milestone anniversary in 2023 with the Program officially operational for five years. To mark the occasion, BSGIP has released a 5 Year Impact Report detailing the Program’s significant achievements.

Lachlan Blackhall at the launch

Community batteries are popular – but we have to make sure they actually help share power

The Conversation, 17 May, 2023

In this opinion piece a team of experts from the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program bring the discussion back to the fundamental ‘why’. Why use this form of mid-scale storage?

Tarneit community battery

‘From brains to batteries’ – Associate Professor Marnie Shaw

News story, 15 May, 2023

Profile on BSGIP research leader, Marnie Shaw.

Marnie Shaw

World-first flexible export limits are coming to rooftop solar. Here’s how they work

ABC Science online, 14 March, 2023

Featuring expert commentary on flexible export limits, also known as dynamic operating envelopes, by BSGIP’s Andrew Fraser. 

Solar panels on house roof

Australian renewable energy struggles to hit grid with one solar farm wasting half its yearly output

The Guardian, 24 February 2023

Report on curtailment in the grid featuring expert commentary by BSGIP’s Jack Sorensen.

Sun shining on solar panels

Explainer: What is congestion and curtailment in the National Electricity Market (NEM)? 

BSGIP Explainer, 20 February 2023

This explainer seeks to answer some common questions around congestion and curtailment.

Solar farm with workers

Curtailment due to congestion: what’s the state of play?

BSGIP news story, 20 February 2023

Report on the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program’s submission to the Energy Security Board’s Transmission Access Reform Directions paper. 

Solar panels

Electric buses put to the test under Australian conditions

BSGIP news story, 14 February, 2023

Researchers from the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program have developed a new tool, using data collected from Australia’s largest electric bus pilot project. This new tool can assist other bus fleets looking to make the switch to electric.

Electric bus

The future of neighbourhood batteries is now

BSGIP news story, 13 February, 2023

Report on the Future of Neighbourhood Batteries in Australia conference held at ANU in November 2022.

NSB_conference

Inter-laboratory visit paves the way towards greater Indonesia-Australia collaboration in battery development

News story, 10 February, 2023

Report on a visit by a team of Indonesian engineers to Australian battery laboratories, including BSGIP’s Battery Materials and Energy Storage Laboratory.

Indonesian delegation in the ANU Battery Lab

Why community batteries could be the next step in the solar power revolution

ABC online, 19 January, 2023

This year the federal government will begin rolling out 400 community, or neighbourhood, batteries. With expert commentary by Prof Lachlan Blackhall.

The Bohle Plains battery, Townsville

New research supports rapid decarbonisation of Australia’s energy system

BSGIP news story, 16 January, 2023

Research by the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program shines a light on the complex world of the National Electricity Market (NEM) and shows how dynamic carbon costs could play a critical role in improving the trade-off between emissions and costs.

Electricity,Power,In,Nature.,Clean,Energy,Concept.,Solar,Panel,With

As the world searches for safe, low-cost big batteries, an old Australian invention is getting new attention

Cosmos article, 9 December, 2022

Report on vanadium flow batteries, a 40 year-old Australian invention that is receiving renewed focus as our energy grids transition, with expert commentary by A/Prof Alexey Glushenkov.

Vanadium_flow_battery

Children’s book helps power clean energy transition

ANU news story, 7 November, 2022 

Renewable energy researcher at The Australian National University (ANU) and 2022 Tall Poppy recipient Dr Bjorn Sturmberg can now add published author to his resume with the launch of his new book, Amy’s Balancing Act, a children’s fable about the transition to clean energy. 

Children's_book

BSGIP researcher recognised for leadership in clean energy

BSGIP news story, 27 October, 2022 

Dr Marnie Shaw, Research Fellow with the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program (BSGIP), has been recognised for her leadership in clean energy, receiving a Chloe Munro Scholarship for Transformational Leadership from the Clean Energy Council.  

Marnie Shaw

Accolades for BSGIP at national engineering awards ceremony

BSGIP news story, 13 October, 2022 

The Program was recognised at the prestigious Engineers Australia national awards ceremony in Sydney last week receiving two honours, an individual award and a project finalist award.

52407558755_4a3b44781c_k

Young ANU scientist receives Tall Poppy honour

ANU News story, 10 October, 2022 

Dr Bjorn Sturmberg, Research Leader with the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program, has been honoured for excellence in research, and for the communication of that research beyond academia.

Bjorn and bidirectional EV charger

‘DEIP Dive’ 2022 explores a distributed energy future

ARENA News story, 29 September, 2022 

ARENA, Energy Networks Australia and the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program welcomed to the Australian National University close to 150 guests from industry, academia & government last month to discuss the integration of electric vehicles and other distributed energy resources. Summary Report.

Laura final panel discussion

Battery group student honoured with Global Undergraduate Award win

BSGIP News story, 13 September, 2022 

Oliver Hervir was recognised by the Global Undergraduate Awards, an international student competition in Dublin, Ireland, for his research into dual-carbon batteries.

Global_winner_graphic

Good news – there’s a clean energy gold rush under way. We’ll need it to tackle energy price turbulence and coal’s exodus

The Conversation, 2 September, 2022 

This week, the Australian Energy Market Operator warned gaps in electricity supply are likely within three years writes Bjorn Sturmberg.

Electricity power lines

One skill shortage more than any is holding back Australia in the race to net zero

Renew Economy, 31 August, 2022 

The race to create zero carbon economies is heating up dramatically in 2022. This is a race to not only secure a safe climate but also to secure prosperity in this century’s global economy writes Bjorn Sturmberg.

Solar farm with workers

Evolve takes out Engineers Australia Canberra Excellence Project Award

News story, 19 August, 2022 

The Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program and partner Zepben won this year’s Engineers Australia Canberra Excellence Project Award.

Lachlan Blackhall accepting awards at Engineers Australian Canberra event

Who will drive vehicle-to-grid?

Utility magazine, 2 August, 2022 

Opinion piece written by Bjorn Sturmberg, Kathryn Lucas-Healey and Laura Jones. 

ABCNews_article

Australians are installing rooftop solar like never before. Who is burdened with taking care of it?

The Conversation article, 15 July, 2022 

Our new research has found rooftop solar maintenance, as with other forms of housework, has the potential to become an equity issue. And the burden of this unrecognised work is set to worsen as the energy transition accelerates.

Solar panels wtih 'wash me' written in coating of dust

Energy crisis – report snapshot shows the state of renewables in Australia

ATSE briefing, 11 July, 2022 

Lachlan Blackhall was one of five energy experts to provide a briefing on the state-of-play of renewables recently. The briefing launched a new short report from the Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering: Here and now – the state of low emissions technology in Australia.

Electricity,Power,In,Nature.,Clean,Energy,Concept.,Solar,Panel,With

Electric vehicles pass the remote road test

ANU press release, 8 July, 2022 

Electric vehicles can handle the distances required to travel to essential services in remote and regional Australia, a new study from The Australian National University (ANU) has shown.  

Outback road signs

BSGIP teams up with ANU Research School of Earth Sciences to explore high pressure synthesis of battery materials

BSGIP news story, 27 June 2022 

Associate Professor Alexey Glushenkov and colleagues from the Research School of Earth Sciences received $180,000 from the ANU College of Science Research Strategic Programs funding for 2022 for a project looking at critical minerals at high pressures – novel compounds for storage batteries. 

Aerial photo ANU campus

The clean energy revolution is more than just a techno-fix

The Conversation article, 24 June 2022 

The Black Summer bushfires devastated parts of the Eurobodalla region in New South Wales. Then earlier this year, the area was hit by floods. As climate change threatens to bring more severe and frequent extreme weather events, how can we help future-proof such communities?

Tilba

Program extends research into agricultural industry with funding win

BSGIP news story, 23 June 2022 

Lachlan Blackhall recently led a team that was awarded funding in the latest round of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology Strategic Investment Program for a project titled ‘Multi Energy System Modelling for the Agricultural Sector’.

Pork_industry_win

NSW South Coast communities selected for microgrid studies 

BSGIP news story, 16 June 2022 

A federally funded project examining the use of microgrids to bolster local energy resilience has selected eight sites across the Eurobodalla for further studies.

Microgrid_concept

Australia – Germany collaboration evaluates dual-ion batteries with phosphorus negative electrodes

BSGIP news story, 15 June 2022 

The Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program’s battery materials team from the ANU Research School of Chemistry joined forces with the Munster Electrochemical Energy Technology (MEET) Centre to assess a new variety of dual-ion battery that utilises negative electrode materials containing black phosphorus.

AG

Victoria’s first inner-urban community battery heralds in a new age in shared renewable energy storage

BSGIP news story, 6 June 2022 

The launch of Melbourne’s first inner-urban community battery on Sunday 5 June is welcome news, and not just for the local Fitzroy North residents.

MattKrumins_COY_Battery_104897_220605_LowRes

Neighbourhood batteries: If you want to bring power to the people, you need to listen to what they want

Renew Economy, 25 May 2022 

A new paradigm is needed in the energy sector, one that encapsulates people’s hopes and ideals. Neighbourhood batteries could help with this, but the positive benefits are not guaranteed. Opinion article written by Hedda Ransan-Cooper, Marnie Shaw, Wendy Russell and Louise Bardwell.

Neighbourhood battery in foreground, suburban house in background.

Australia could rapidly shift to clean transport – if we had a strategy. So we put this plan together

The Conversation, 11 May 2022 

18 transport and energy experts have created an independent, science-based summary to support the decarbonisation of Australia’s transport sector. 

Compilation of various modes of transport

Australia needs to get motoring on clean transport strategy

ANU media release, 11 May 2022 

Co-author of the Framework for an Australian Clean Transport Strategy (FACTS), launched today, Dr Bjorn Sturmberg says the lack of clear direction is slowing our adoption of clean technologies, such as electric cars and buses.

Bjorn Sturmberg standing next to electric vehicle chargers on campus

Stockpiling solar power in suburban batteries

ARENA Rewired podcast, 28 April 2022 

Interview with Dr Marnie Shaw about a new wave of community energy projects.

Rooftop solar at Alkimos Beach

Optimism, Climate Change and Start-ups

Talking Tech Policy podcast, 9 May 2022 

Interview with Professor Lachlan Blackhall on what innovation really is and the value of ideas – drawing from Lachlan’s exquisite blog “Death of a Startup.”

Lachlan Blackhall

Powerline fires wreak havoc but a renewable microgrid alternative is rolling out

ABC online, 20 April 2022 

After a spate of bushfires, a Western Australian regional electrical network is replacing overhead lines in fire prone regions with off-grid solar and battery systems. Featuring commentary by Dr Elizabeth Ratnam.

Pig farm ablaze

A community battery ‘like a corner store’: Is this the future of home energy storage

ABC online, 5 April 2022 

Report on community, or neighbourhood batteries featuring expert commentary by Drs Marnie Shaw and Hedda Ransan-Cooper.

Community Battery, Western Power

First electric vehicle chargers now on campus

22 March 2022 

The Acton campus is now home to the University’s first electric vehicle (EV) chargers. One Type 2 EV charger and one bi-directional EV charger have been installed in the Geology Close carpark, in front of the Ian Ross building on North Road. The Type 2 charger is available to the ANU community, free of charge when not in use for research purposes.

VC_EVcharger_story

Student profile: Lizbeth Dimonti

11 March 2022 

Meet Lizbeth Dimonti, the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program’s newest Phd candidate. Lizbeth’s research will focus on the visualisation & characterisation of batteries via cutting-edge electron microscopy.

Lizbeth Dimonti

‘Cutting through the greenwash’: Australian energy retailers ranked on climate action

The Guardian, 8 February 2022 

Featuring expert commentary by Dr Hedda Ransan-Cooper, social science research lead at the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program.

Albany wind farm
Excuse me, can I use your car to stabilise and power the grid?

Clean Technica, 24 January 2022 

Article on the Realising Electric Vehicle-to-grid Services Interim Social Report.

Row of electric vehicles charging at a charging station.
The unknown unknowns of vehicle-to-grid tech

Clean Technica, 24 January, 2022

Article on the Realising Electric Vehicle-to-grid Services Interim Social Report.

Man charging an electric vehicle
V2G driving grid changes

PV Magazine, 15 January, 2022

The uptake of EVs in the years ahead will add up to staggering battery capacity, mostly sitting idle on driveways. Featuring commentary by Laura Jones, Senior Analyst at BSGIP

Electric school bus
Why it’s vital to put people at the heart of the energy transition

Renew Economy, 14 December, 2021

Thought leadership piece written by Dr Hedda Ransan-Cooper, social science research lead at BSGIP.

A family on grassy verge in front of the ocean.
Neighbourhood batteries in Australia

PV Tech Power, November, 2021

Written for an international audience, this article delves into the state-of-play of neighbourhood batteries in Australia.

Artist's impression of a neighbourhood battery in a Melbourne street
Australia’s R&D spend too low to fund future climate change technology breakthroughs: experts

The Canberra Times, 19 November, 2021

Expert commentary on the lack of R&D funding in Australia by Prof Andrew Blakers, Prof Frank Jotzo, Prof Lachlan Blackhall (pictured in the Distributed Energy Resources Lab at ANU) and Prof Mark Howden.

Lachlan Blackhall in the DERlab
A spark for the future

Opinion piece by Prof Lachlan Blackhall, Daily Telegraph, 5 November, 2021

The world is watching and waiting in anticipation as global leaders gather in Glasgow for  COP26, in the hope that international governments will agree actionable commitments that start to achieve rapid and sustained decarbonisation over the decades ahead.

Powerlines across hills
The rubber hits the road for Australia’s largest electric bus fleet project

BSGIP news story, 21 October, 2021

A new pilot project set to drive down emissions in public transport and heavy transport has today been announced. The $36 million project will consist of Australia’s largest electric bus fleet (40 buses), charging infrastructure and a retrofitted bus depot in Leichhardt, Sydney.

Electric bus
Local network pricing and community storage a powerful combo

Ecogeneration article featuring by Dr Bjorn Sturmberg, 15 October, 2021

If networks could charge for localised use of their service, all customers in areas with high PV and community-scale batteries would pay lower bills … with no cost to the network, research shows.

Community battery with woman and dog in the foreground
Many rooftop solar investors are feeling ripped off. Could battery subsidies solve the problem?

ABC online article featuring expert commentary by Professor Lachlan Blackhall, 30 September, 2021

Some solar owners are being told they can’t export power to the grid or are being hit with solar export limits due to fears the network can’t cope, meaning their excess clean energy is essentially being wasted.

Men carrying a battery

Maximising insights from neighbourhood battery projects

Energy Magazine, 2 November, 2023

A team of researchers from the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program has been working to develop a framework for neighbourhood batteries which will help government organisations in the evaluation of government-funded neighbourhood battery projects and programs.

Energymag_pic

Net zero by 2050? Too late. Australia must aim for 2035

The Conversation, 21 September, 2023

This year’s heightened drumbeat of extreme weather shows us how little time we actually have to slash emissions writes Mark Howden, Frank Jotzo, Ken Baldwin, Kylie Catchpole, Kylie Walker and Lachlan Blackhall.

 

TC_NetZero2035

BSGIP provides submission to ACT Government’s Integrated Energy Plan

BSGIP news story, 18 September, 2023

BSGIP’s submission recognises the increasingly decentralised nature of the energy landscape with consumer energy resources such as solar panels, home batteries, and electric vehicles playing an increasing role in the energy transition.

ACT Govt Integrated Energy Plan

Distrust of the energy industry could slow the rollout of all-electric households

Switched On podcast & accompanying news article, 12 September, 2023

Dr Hedda Ransan-Cooper, one of Australia’s leading energy social scientists, discusses what she has learnt from her countless interviews with Australians discussing the energy transition and new energy technologies.

Hedda_Ransan-Cooper

5 Rs of reducing carbon emissions from university air travel

Linked In blog post, 8 September, 2023

When it comes to reducing carbon emissions from university air travel, the 5 Rs can help us – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle, writes Associate Professor Kim Blackmore.

Laptop

Well this is awkward: confronting carbon emissions in academic air travel

Linked In blog post, 28 August, 2023

Blog post by Associate Professor Kim Blackmore. Kim is working on the Australian National University’s Below Zero initiative, which aims to transition the University from being a source of greenhouse gas emissions to a carbon sink.

World map with a toy plane and a pointing finger on it.

Are all-renewable microgrids the future for regional Australia facing climate disasters?

ABC Science, 22 August, 2023

As Australia prepares for more extreme weather events, what role might microgrids play in building resilience in our energy system? Featuring expert commentary by Dr Hedda Ransan-Cooper.

Houses with solar panels by the coast

Solar hours heating redefining regional battery storage requirements

Energy magazine, 4 August, 2023

A recent collaboration involving BSGIP and a regional Victorian town has had surprising and positive results in proving that moving electric hot water heating from nighttime to during solar hours has the potential to massively reduce required battery storage.

Rooftop solar panels

Buying time for the Great Barrier Reef

BSGIP news story, 6 July, 2023

Imagine shading the waters of the Great Barrier Reef by enhancing the cloud cover about it? Sounds like science fiction right? BSGIP student Dan Virah-Sawmy is part of a world first implementation project aiming to demonstrate just that.

Dan standing next to a cloud brightening machine

BSGIP marks 5th anniversary with Impact Report

BSGIP news story, 28 June, 2023

The Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program celebrated a milestone anniversary in 2023 with the Program officially operational for five years. To mark the occasion, BSGIP has released a 5 Year Impact Report detailing the Program’s significant achievements.

Lachlan Blackhall at the launch

Community batteries are popular – but we have to make sure they actually help share power

The Conversation, 17 May, 2023

In this opinion piece a team of experts from the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program bring the discussion back to the fundamental ‘why’. Why use this form of mid-scale storage?

Tarneit community battery

‘From brains to batteries’ – Associate Professor Marnie Shaw

News story, 15 May, 2023

Profile on BSGIP research leader, Marnie Shaw.

Marnie Shaw

World-first flexible export limits are coming to rooftop solar. Here’s how they work

ABC Science online, 14 March, 2023

Featuring expert commentary on flexible export limits, also known as dynamic operating envelopes, by BSGIP’s Andrew Fraser. 

Solar panels on house roof

Australian renewable energy struggles to hit grid with one solar farm wasting half its yearly output

The Guardian, 24 February 2023

Report on curtailment in the grid featuring expert commentary by BSGIP’s Jack Sorensen.

Sun shining on solar panels

Explainer: What is congestion and curtailment in the National Electricity Market (NEM)? 

BSGIP Explainer, 20 February 2023

This explainer seeks to answer some common questions around congestion and curtailment.

Solar farm with workers

Curtailment due to congestion: what’s the state of play?

BSGIP news story, 20 February 2023

Report on the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program’s submission to the Energy Security Board’s Transmission Access Reform Directions paper. 

Solar panels

Electric buses put to the test under Australian conditions

BSGIP news story, 14 February, 2023

Researchers from the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program have developed a new tool, using data collected from Australia’s largest electric bus pilot project. This new tool can assist other bus fleets looking to make the switch to electric.

Electric bus

The future of neighbourhood batteries is now

BSGIP news story, 13 February, 2023

Report on the Future of Neighbourhood Batteries in Australia conference held at ANU in November 2022.

NSB_conference

Inter-laboratory visit paves the way towards greater Indonesia-Australia collaboration in battery development

News story, 10 February, 2023

Report on a visit by a team of Indonesian engineers to Australian battery laboratories, including BSGIP’s Battery Materials and Energy Storage Laboratory.

Indonesian delegation in the ANU Battery Lab

Why community batteries could be the next step in the solar power revolution

ABC online, 19 January, 2023

This year the federal government will begin rolling out 400 community, or neighbourhood, batteries. With expert commentary by Prof Lachlan Blackhall.

The Bohle Plains battery, Townsville

New research supports rapid decarbonisation of Australia’s energy system

BSGIP news story, 16 January, 2023

Research by the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program shines a light on the complex world of the National Electricity Market (NEM) and shows how dynamic carbon costs could play a critical role in improving the trade-off between emissions and costs.

Electricity,Power,In,Nature.,Clean,Energy,Concept.,Solar,Panel,With

As the world searches for safe, low-cost big batteries, an old Australian invention is getting new attention

Cosmos article, 9 December, 2022

Report on vanadium flow batteries, a 40 year-old Australian invention that is receiving renewed focus as our energy grids transition, with expert commentary by A/Prof Alexey Glushenkov.

Vanadium_flow_battery

Children’s book helps power clean energy transition

ANU news story, 7 November, 2022 

Renewable energy researcher at The Australian National University (ANU) and 2022 Tall Poppy recipient Dr Bjorn Sturmberg can now add published author to his resume with the launch of his new book, Amy’s Balancing Act, a children’s fable about the transition to clean energy. 

Children's_book

BSGIP researcher recognised for leadership in clean energy

BSGIP news story, 27 October, 2022 

Dr Marnie Shaw, Research Fellow with the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program (BSGIP), has been recognised for her leadership in clean energy, receiving a Chloe Munro Scholarship for Transformational Leadership from the Clean Energy Council.  

Marnie Shaw

Accolades for BSGIP at national engineering awards ceremony

BSGIP news story, 13 October, 2022 

The Program was recognised at the prestigious Engineers Australia national awards ceremony in Sydney last week receiving two honours, an individual award and a project finalist award.

52407558755_4a3b44781c_k

Young ANU scientist receives Tall Poppy honour

ANU News story, 10 October, 2022 

Dr Bjorn Sturmberg, Research Leader with the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program, has been honoured for excellence in research, and for the communication of that research beyond academia.

Bjorn and bidirectional EV charger

‘DEIP Dive’ 2022 explores a distributed energy future

ARENA News story, 29 September, 2022 

ARENA, Energy Networks Australia and the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program welcomed to the Australian National University close to 150 guests from industry, academia & government last month to discuss the integration of electric vehicles and other distributed energy resources. Summary Report.

Laura final panel discussion

Battery group student honoured with Global Undergraduate Award win

BSGIP News story, 13 September, 2022 

Oliver Hervir was recognised by the Global Undergraduate Awards, an international student competition in Dublin, Ireland, for his research into dual-carbon batteries.

Global_winner_graphic

Good news – there’s a clean energy gold rush under way. We’ll need it to tackle energy price turbulence and coal’s exodus

The Conversation, 2 September, 2022 

This week, the Australian Energy Market Operator warned gaps in electricity supply are likely within three years writes Bjorn Sturmberg.

Electricity power lines

One skill shortage more than any is holding back Australia in the race to net zero

Renew Economy, 31 August, 2022 

The race to create zero carbon economies is heating up dramatically in 2022. This is a race to not only secure a safe climate but also to secure prosperity in this century’s global economy writes Bjorn Sturmberg.

Solar farm with workers

Evolve takes out Engineers Australia Canberra Excellence Project Award

News story, 19 August, 2022 

The Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program and partner Zepben won this year’s Engineers Australia Canberra Excellence Project Award.

Lachlan Blackhall accepting awards at Engineers Australian Canberra event

Who will drive vehicle-to-grid?

Utility magazine, 2 August, 2022 

Opinion piece written by Bjorn Sturmberg, Kathryn Lucas-Healey and Laura Jones. 

ABCNews_article

Australians are installing rooftop solar like never before. Who is burdened with taking care of it?

The Conversation article, 15 July, 2022 

Our new research has found rooftop solar maintenance, as with other forms of housework, has the potential to become an equity issue. And the burden of this unrecognised work is set to worsen as the energy transition accelerates.

Solar panels wtih 'wash me' written in coating of dust

Energy crisis – report snapshot shows the state of renewables in Australia

ATSE briefing, 11 July, 2022 

Lachlan Blackhall was one of five energy experts to provide a briefing on the state-of-play of renewables recently. The briefing launched a new short report from the Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering: Here and now – the state of low emissions technology in Australia.

Electricity,Power,In,Nature.,Clean,Energy,Concept.,Solar,Panel,With

Electric vehicles pass the remote road test

ANU press release, 8 July, 2022 

Electric vehicles can handle the distances required to travel to essential services in remote and regional Australia, a new study from The Australian National University (ANU) has shown.  

Outback road signs

BSGIP teams up with ANU Research School of Earth Sciences to explore high pressure synthesis of battery materials

BSGIP news story, 27 June 2022 

Associate Professor Alexey Glushenkov and colleagues from the Research School of Earth Sciences received $180,000 from the ANU College of Science Research Strategic Programs funding for 2022 for a project looking at critical minerals at high pressures – novel compounds for storage batteries. 

Aerial photo ANU campus

The clean energy revolution is more than just a techno-fix

The Conversation article, 24 June 2022 

The Black Summer bushfires devastated parts of the Eurobodalla region in New South Wales. Then earlier this year, the area was hit by floods. As climate change threatens to bring more severe and frequent extreme weather events, how can we help future-proof such communities?

Tilba

Program extends research into agricultural industry with funding win

BSGIP news story, 23 June 2022 

Lachlan Blackhall recently led a team that was awarded funding in the latest round of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology Strategic Investment Program for a project titled ‘Multi Energy System Modelling for the Agricultural Sector’.

Pork_industry_win

NSW South Coast communities selected for microgrid studies 

BSGIP news story, 16 June 2022 

A federally funded project examining the use of microgrids to bolster local energy resilience has selected eight sites across the Eurobodalla for further studies.

Microgrid_concept

Australia – Germany collaboration evaluates dual-ion batteries with phosphorus negative electrodes

BSGIP news story, 15 June 2022 

The Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program’s battery materials team from the ANU Research School of Chemistry joined forces with the Munster Electrochemical Energy Technology (MEET) Centre to assess a new variety of dual-ion battery that utilises negative electrode materials containing black phosphorus.

AG

Victoria’s first inner-urban community battery heralds in a new age in shared renewable energy storage

BSGIP news story, 6 June 2022 

The launch of Melbourne’s first inner-urban community battery on Sunday 5 June is welcome news, and not just for the local Fitzroy North residents.

MattKrumins_COY_Battery_104897_220605_LowRes

Neighbourhood batteries: If you want to bring power to the people, you need to listen to what they want

Renew Economy, 25 May 2022 

A new paradigm is needed in the energy sector, one that encapsulates people’s hopes and ideals. Neighbourhood batteries could help with this, but the positive benefits are not guaranteed. Opinion article written by Hedda Ransan-Cooper, Marnie Shaw, Wendy Russell and Louise Bardwell.

Neighbourhood battery in foreground, suburban house in background.

Australia could rapidly shift to clean transport – if we had a strategy. So we put this plan together

The Conversation, 11 May 2022 

18 transport and energy experts have created an independent, science-based summary to support the decarbonisation of Australia’s transport sector. 

Compilation of various modes of transport

Australia needs to get motoring on clean transport strategy

ANU media release, 11 May 2022 

Co-author of the Framework for an Australian Clean Transport Strategy (FACTS), launched today, Dr Bjorn Sturmberg says the lack of clear direction is slowing our adoption of clean technologies, such as electric cars and buses.

Bjorn Sturmberg standing next to electric vehicle chargers on campus

Stockpiling solar power in suburban batteries

ARENA Rewired podcast, 28 April 2022 

Interview with Dr Marnie Shaw about a new wave of community energy projects.

Rooftop solar at Alkimos Beach

Optimism, Climate Change and Start-ups

Talking Tech Policy podcast, 9 May 2022 

Interview with Professor Lachlan Blackhall on what innovation really is and the value of ideas – drawing from Lachlan’s exquisite blog “Death of a Startup.”

Lachlan Blackhall

Powerline fires wreak havoc but a renewable microgrid alternative is rolling out

ABC online, 20 April 2022 

After a spate of bushfires, a Western Australian regional electrical network is replacing overhead lines in fire prone regions with off-grid solar and battery systems. Featuring commentary by Dr Elizabeth Ratnam.

Pig farm ablaze

A community battery ‘like a corner store’: Is this the future of home energy storage

ABC online, 5 April 2022 

Report on community, or neighbourhood batteries featuring expert commentary by Drs Marnie Shaw and Hedda Ransan-Cooper.

Community Battery, Western Power

First electric vehicle chargers now on campus

22 March 2022 

The Acton campus is now home to the University’s first electric vehicle (EV) chargers. One Type 2 EV charger and one bi-directional EV charger have been installed in the Geology Close carpark, in front of the Ian Ross building on North Road. The Type 2 charger is available to the ANU community, free of charge when not in use for research purposes.

VC_EVcharger_story

Student profile: Lizbeth Dimonti

11 March 2022 

Meet Lizbeth Dimonti, the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program’s newest Phd candidate. Lizbeth’s research will focus on the visualisation & characterisation of batteries via cutting-edge electron microscopy.

Lizbeth Dimonti

‘Cutting through the greenwash’: Australian energy retailers ranked on climate action

The Guardian, 8 February 2022 

Featuring expert commentary by Dr Hedda Ransan-Cooper, social science research lead at the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program.

Albany wind farm
Excuse me, can I use your car to stabilise and power the grid?

Clean Technica, 24 January 2022 

Article on the Realising Electric Vehicle-to-grid Services Interim Social Report.

Row of electric vehicles charging at a charging station.
The unknown unknowns of vehicle-to-grid tech

Clean Technica, 24 January, 2022

Article on the Realising Electric Vehicle-to-grid Services Interim Social Report.

Man charging an electric vehicle
V2G driving grid changes

PV Magazine, 15 January, 2022

The uptake of EVs in the years ahead will add up to staggering battery capacity, mostly sitting idle on driveways. Featuring commentary by Laura Jones, Senior Analyst at BSGIP

Electric school bus
Why it’s vital to put people at the heart of the energy transition

Renew Economy, 14 December, 2021

Thought leadership piece written by Dr Hedda Ransan-Cooper, social science research lead at BSGIP.

A family on grassy verge in front of the ocean.
Neighbourhood batteries in Australia

PV Tech Power, November, 2021

Written for an international audience, this article delves into the state-of-play of neighbourhood batteries in Australia.

Artist's impression of a neighbourhood battery in a Melbourne street
Australia’s R&D spend too low to fund future climate change technology breakthroughs: experts

The Canberra Times, 19 November, 2021

Expert commentary on the lack of R&D funding in Australia by Prof Andrew Blakers, Prof Frank Jotzo, Prof Lachlan Blackhall (pictured in the Distributed Energy Resources Lab at ANU) and Prof Mark Howden.

Lachlan Blackhall in the DERlab
A spark for the future

Opinion piece by Prof Lachlan Blackhall, Daily Telegraph, 5 November, 2021

The world is watching and waiting in anticipation as global leaders gather in Glasgow for  COP26, in the hope that international governments will agree actionable commitments that start to achieve rapid and sustained decarbonisation over the decades ahead.

Powerlines across hills
The rubber hits the road for Australia’s largest electric bus fleet project

BSGIP news story, 21 October, 2021

A new pilot project set to drive down emissions in public transport and heavy transport has today been announced. The $36 million project will consist of Australia’s largest electric bus fleet (40 buses), charging infrastructure and a retrofitted bus depot in Leichhardt, Sydney.

Electric bus
Local network pricing and community storage a powerful combo

Ecogeneration article featuring by Dr Bjorn Sturmberg, 15 October, 2021

If networks could charge for localised use of their service, all customers in areas with high PV and community-scale batteries would pay lower bills … with no cost to the network, research shows.

Community battery with woman and dog in the foreground
Many rooftop solar investors are feeling ripped off. Could battery subsidies solve the problem?

ABC online article featuring expert commentary by Professor Lachlan Blackhall, 30 September, 2021

Some solar owners are being told they can’t export power to the grid or are being hit with solar export limits due to fears the network can’t cope, meaning their excess clean energy is essentially being wasted.

Men carrying a battery

Distrust of the energy industry could slow the rollout of all-electric households

Switched On podcast & accompanying news article, 12 September, 2023

Dr Hedda Ransan-Cooper, one of Australia’s leading energy social scientists, discusses what she has learnt from her countless interviews with Australians discussing the energy transition and new energy technologies.

Hedda_Ransan-Cooper

5 Rs of reducing carbon emissions from university air travel

Linked In blog post, 8 September, 2023

When it comes to reducing carbon emissions from university air travel, the 5 Rs can help us – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle, writes Associate Professor Kim Blackmore.

Laptop

Well this is awkward: confronting carbon emissions in academic air travel

Linked In blog post, 28 August, 2023

Blog post by Associate Professor Kim Blackmore. Kim is working on the Australian National University’s Below Zero initiative, which aims to transition the University from being a source of greenhouse gas emissions to a carbon sink.

World map with a toy plane and a pointing finger on it.

Are all-renewable microgrids the future for regional Australia facing climate disasters?

ABC Science, 22 August, 2023

As Australia prepares for more extreme weather events, what role might microgrids play in building resilience in our energy system? Featuring expert commentary by Dr Hedda Ransan-Cooper.

Houses with solar panels by the coast

Solar hours heating redefining regional battery storage requirements

Energy magazine, 4 August, 2023

A recent collaboration involving BSGIP and a regional Victorian town has had surprising and positive results in proving that moving electric hot water heating from nighttime to during solar hours has the potential to massively reduce required battery storage.

Rooftop solar panels

Buying time for the Great Barrier Reef

BSGIP news story, 6 July, 2023

Imagine shading the waters of the Great Barrier Reef by enhancing the cloud cover about it? Sounds like science fiction right? BSGIP student Dan Virah-Sawmy is part of a world first implementation project aiming to demonstrate just that.

Dan standing next to a cloud brightening machine

BSGIP marks 5th anniversary with Impact Report

BSGIP news story, 28 June, 2023

The Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program celebrated a milestone anniversary in 2023 with the Program officially operational for five years. To mark the occasion, BSGIP has released a 5 Year Impact Report detailing the Program’s significant achievements.

Lachlan Blackhall at the launch

Community batteries are popular – but we have to make sure they actually help share power

The Conversation, 17 May, 2023

In this opinion piece a team of experts from the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program bring the discussion back to the fundamental ‘why’. Why use this form of mid-scale storage?

Tarneit community battery

‘From brains to batteries’ – Associate Professor Marnie Shaw

News story, 15 May, 2023

Profile on BSGIP research leader, Marnie Shaw.

Marnie Shaw

World-first flexible export limits are coming to rooftop solar. Here’s how they work

ABC Science online, 14 March, 2023

Featuring expert commentary on flexible export limits, also known as dynamic operating envelopes, by BSGIP’s Andrew Fraser. 

Solar panels on house roof

Australian renewable energy struggles to hit grid with one solar farm wasting half its yearly output

The Guardian, 24 February 2023

Report on curtailment in the grid featuring expert commentary by BSGIP’s Jack Sorensen.

Sun shining on solar panels

Explainer: What is congestion and curtailment in the National Electricity Market (NEM)? 

BSGIP Explainer, 20 February 2023

This explainer seeks to answer some common questions around congestion and curtailment.

Solar farm with workers

Curtailment due to congestion: what’s the state of play?

BSGIP news story, 20 February 2023

Report on the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program’s submission to the Energy Security Board’s Transmission Access Reform Directions paper. 

Solar panels

Electric buses put to the test under Australian conditions

BSGIP news story, 14 February, 2023

Researchers from the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program have developed a new tool, using data collected from Australia’s largest electric bus pilot project. This new tool can assist other bus fleets looking to make the switch to electric.

Electric bus

The future of neighbourhood batteries is now

BSGIP news story, 13 February, 2023

Report on the Future of Neighbourhood Batteries in Australia conference held at ANU in November 2022.

NSB_conference

Inter-laboratory visit paves the way towards greater Indonesia-Australia collaboration in battery development

News story, 10 February, 2023

Report on a visit by a team of Indonesian engineers to Australian battery laboratories, including BSGIP’s Battery Materials and Energy Storage Laboratory.

Indonesian delegation in the ANU Battery Lab

Why community batteries could be the next step in the solar power revolution

ABC online, 19 January, 2023

This year the federal government will begin rolling out 400 community, or neighbourhood, batteries. With expert commentary by Prof Lachlan Blackhall.

The Bohle Plains battery, Townsville

New research supports rapid decarbonisation of Australia’s energy system

BSGIP news story, 16 January, 2023

Research by the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program shines a light on the complex world of the National Electricity Market (NEM) and shows how dynamic carbon costs could play a critical role in improving the trade-off between emissions and costs.

Electricity,Power,In,Nature.,Clean,Energy,Concept.,Solar,Panel,With

As the world searches for safe, low-cost big batteries, an old Australian invention is getting new attention

Cosmos article, 9 December, 2022

Report on vanadium flow batteries, a 40 year-old Australian invention that is receiving renewed focus as our energy grids transition, with expert commentary by A/Prof Alexey Glushenkov.

Vanadium_flow_battery

Children’s book helps power clean energy transition

ANU news story, 7 November, 2022 

Renewable energy researcher at The Australian National University (ANU) and 2022 Tall Poppy recipient Dr Bjorn Sturmberg can now add published author to his resume with the launch of his new book, Amy’s Balancing Act, a children’s fable about the transition to clean energy. 

Children's_book

BSGIP researcher recognised for leadership in clean energy

BSGIP news story, 27 October, 2022 

Dr Marnie Shaw, Research Fellow with the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program (BSGIP), has been recognised for her leadership in clean energy, receiving a Chloe Munro Scholarship for Transformational Leadership from the Clean Energy Council.  

Marnie Shaw

Accolades for BSGIP at national engineering awards ceremony

BSGIP news story, 13 October, 2022 

The Program was recognised at the prestigious Engineers Australia national awards ceremony in Sydney last week receiving two honours, an individual award and a project finalist award.

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Young ANU scientist receives Tall Poppy honour

ANU News story, 10 October, 2022 

Dr Bjorn Sturmberg, Research Leader with the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program, has been honoured for excellence in research, and for the communication of that research beyond academia.

Bjorn and bidirectional EV charger

‘DEIP Dive’ 2022 explores a distributed energy future

ARENA News story, 29 September, 2022 

ARENA, Energy Networks Australia and the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program welcomed to the Australian National University close to 150 guests from industry, academia & government last month to discuss the integration of electric vehicles and other distributed energy resources. Summary Report.

Laura final panel discussion

Battery group student honoured with Global Undergraduate Award win

BSGIP News story, 13 September, 2022 

Oliver Hervir was recognised by the Global Undergraduate Awards, an international student competition in Dublin, Ireland, for his research into dual-carbon batteries.

Global_winner_graphic

Good news – there’s a clean energy gold rush under way. We’ll need it to tackle energy price turbulence and coal’s exodus

The Conversation, 2 September, 2022 

This week, the Australian Energy Market Operator warned gaps in electricity supply are likely within three years writes Bjorn Sturmberg.

Electricity power lines

One skill shortage more than any is holding back Australia in the race to net zero

Renew Economy, 31 August, 2022 

The race to create zero carbon economies is heating up dramatically in 2022. This is a race to not only secure a safe climate but also to secure prosperity in this century’s global economy writes Bjorn Sturmberg.

Solar farm with workers

Evolve takes out Engineers Australia Canberra Excellence Project Award

News story, 19 August, 2022 

The Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program and partner Zepben won this year’s Engineers Australia Canberra Excellence Project Award.

Lachlan Blackhall accepting awards at Engineers Australian Canberra event

Who will drive vehicle-to-grid?

Utility magazine, 2 August, 2022 

Opinion piece written by Bjorn Sturmberg, Kathryn Lucas-Healey and Laura Jones. 

ABCNews_article

Australians are installing rooftop solar like never before. Who is burdened with taking care of it?

The Conversation article, 15 July, 2022 

Our new research has found rooftop solar maintenance, as with other forms of housework, has the potential to become an equity issue. And the burden of this unrecognised work is set to worsen as the energy transition accelerates.

Solar panels wtih 'wash me' written in coating of dust

Energy crisis – report snapshot shows the state of renewables in Australia

ATSE briefing, 11 July, 2022 

Lachlan Blackhall was one of five energy experts to provide a briefing on the state-of-play of renewables recently. The briefing launched a new short report from the Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering: Here and now – the state of low emissions technology in Australia.

Electricity,Power,In,Nature.,Clean,Energy,Concept.,Solar,Panel,With

Electric vehicles pass the remote road test

ANU press release, 8 July, 2022 

Electric vehicles can handle the distances required to travel to essential services in remote and regional Australia, a new study from The Australian National University (ANU) has shown.  

Outback road signs

BSGIP teams up with ANU Research School of Earth Sciences to explore high pressure synthesis of battery materials

BSGIP news story, 27 June 2022 

Associate Professor Alexey Glushenkov and colleagues from the Research School of Earth Sciences received $180,000 from the ANU College of Science Research Strategic Programs funding for 2022 for a project looking at critical minerals at high pressures – novel compounds for storage batteries. 

Aerial photo ANU campus

The clean energy revolution is more than just a techno-fix

The Conversation article, 24 June 2022 

The Black Summer bushfires devastated parts of the Eurobodalla region in New South Wales. Then earlier this year, the area was hit by floods. As climate change threatens to bring more severe and frequent extreme weather events, how can we help future-proof such communities?

Tilba

Program extends research into agricultural industry with funding win

BSGIP news story, 23 June 2022 

Lachlan Blackhall recently led a team that was awarded funding in the latest round of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology Strategic Investment Program for a project titled ‘Multi Energy System Modelling for the Agricultural Sector’.

Pork_industry_win

NSW South Coast communities selected for microgrid studies 

BSGIP news story, 16 June 2022 

A federally funded project examining the use of microgrids to bolster local energy resilience has selected eight sites across the Eurobodalla for further studies.

Microgrid_concept

Australia – Germany collaboration evaluates dual-ion batteries with phosphorus negative electrodes

BSGIP news story, 15 June 2022 

The Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program’s battery materials team from the ANU Research School of Chemistry joined forces with the Munster Electrochemical Energy Technology (MEET) Centre to assess a new variety of dual-ion battery that utilises negative electrode materials containing black phosphorus.

AG

Victoria’s first inner-urban community battery heralds in a new age in shared renewable energy storage

BSGIP news story, 6 June 2022 

The launch of Melbourne’s first inner-urban community battery on Sunday 5 June is welcome news, and not just for the local Fitzroy North residents.

MattKrumins_COY_Battery_104897_220605_LowRes

Neighbourhood batteries: If you want to bring power to the people, you need to listen to what they want

Renew Economy, 25 May 2022 

A new paradigm is needed in the energy sector, one that encapsulates people’s hopes and ideals. Neighbourhood batteries could help with this, but the positive benefits are not guaranteed. Opinion article written by Hedda Ransan-Cooper, Marnie Shaw, Wendy Russell and Louise Bardwell.

Neighbourhood battery in foreground, suburban house in background.

Australia could rapidly shift to clean transport – if we had a strategy. So we put this plan together

The Conversation, 11 May 2022 

18 transport and energy experts have created an independent, science-based summary to support the decarbonisation of Australia’s transport sector. 

Compilation of various modes of transport

Australia needs to get motoring on clean transport strategy

ANU media release, 11 May 2022 

Co-author of the Framework for an Australian Clean Transport Strategy (FACTS), launched today, Dr Bjorn Sturmberg says the lack of clear direction is slowing our adoption of clean technologies, such as electric cars and buses.

Bjorn Sturmberg standing next to electric vehicle chargers on campus

Stockpiling solar power in suburban batteries

ARENA Rewired podcast, 28 April 2022 

Interview with Dr Marnie Shaw about a new wave of community energy projects.

Rooftop solar at Alkimos Beach

Optimism, Climate Change and Start-ups

Talking Tech Policy podcast, 9 May 2022 

Interview with Professor Lachlan Blackhall on what innovation really is and the value of ideas – drawing from Lachlan’s exquisite blog “Death of a Startup.”

Lachlan Blackhall

Powerline fires wreak havoc but a renewable microgrid alternative is rolling out

ABC online, 20 April 2022 

After a spate of bushfires, a Western Australian regional electrical network is replacing overhead lines in fire prone regions with off-grid solar and battery systems. Featuring commentary by Dr Elizabeth Ratnam.

Pig farm ablaze

A community battery ‘like a corner store’: Is this the future of home energy storage

ABC online, 5 April 2022 

Report on community, or neighbourhood batteries featuring expert commentary by Drs Marnie Shaw and Hedda Ransan-Cooper.

Community Battery, Western Power

First electric vehicle chargers now on campus

22 March 2022 

The Acton campus is now home to the University’s first electric vehicle (EV) chargers. One Type 2 EV charger and one bi-directional EV charger have been installed in the Geology Close carpark, in front of the Ian Ross building on North Road. The Type 2 charger is available to the ANU community, free of charge when not in use for research purposes.