Researchers join RACE for clean energy

Griffith University researchers will play key roles in the Federal Government’s recently announced $68.5 million Reliable Affordable Clean Energy for 2030 (RACE for 2030) Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews announced the launch of RACE for 2030 CRC, which aims to drive the development of clean energy solutions that are stable and economically viable.

Griffith was invited to join the developing bid for the CRC, which is led by the University of Technology Sydney.

The CRC is an industry-led collaboration working to boost energy productivity in Australia and deliver reliable, affordable and clean energy for industry and consumers.

Griffith Chief Ivestigators will contribute to numerous subprograms under each of the four core research programs.

Griffith CIs from the School of Engineering and Built Environment and Griffith Business School include:

  • Professor Junwei Lu will work on RACE for Homes and Network subprograms “Vehicle to Home/Vehicle to Grid demonstration and market development”, “Algorithms and analysis for cost effective development and operation embedded and islanded microgrids” and “Networks Renewed 2: Mainstreaming customer DER network support Smart inverters for network support”;
  • Associate Professor Prasad Kaparaju will be responsible for the subprogram “anaerobic digestion” under RACE for Business and focus on projects with Queensland-based industry partners including sugar mills, waste water treatment plants and water utilities;
  • Dr Liam Wagner, Associate Professor Andreas Chai and their team will work closely on RACE for Networks subprograms “Enhanced regulatory processes for DM assessment and approval”, “Rewarding flexible demand: Customer-friendly cost reflective tariffs and incentives”, “Storage as a Service – Distributed community batteries” and “Homes as energy storage”;
  • Professor Rodney Stewart will work on RACE for Business, Networks and Homes on “Measure to manage”, “Load modulation in response to cost reflective real time pricing”, “Rewarding flexible demand: Customer-friendly cost reflective tariffs and incentives”, “Smart algorithms for optimising home energy supply and use”, and “Algorithms and analysis for cost effective development and operation of embedded and islanded microgrids”.

Minister Andrews said supporting cutting-edge energy technology and research was a sure-fire path to lower emissions, cheaper power and a reliable grid.

“The cost and reliability of energy is a vital component of running a business. Reducing energy costs for businesses means more money for investment, more production and more jobs – essential elements of a healthy and growing economy,” she said.

“For Australian families, this clean energy research offers the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint, while also lowering their power bills and freeing up more money in the household budget.”

The RACE for 2030 CRC’s potential benefits include reducing energy costs by up to 25 per cent, reducing emissions by up to 20 million tonnes and an $8 billion economic benefit by 2034.

Industry Partners engaged through Griffith include Planet Ark Power, Far North Milling and Mossman Mills, Douglas Shire Council and Cane Growers Qld.

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