Microturbine.

Energy generation and storage

Researching the sustainability of energy generation, and developing the means to store it efficiently and economically.

• 31 May 2005 | Updated 14 October 2011

• Energy generation
• Energy storage
• Distributed energy

CSIRO investigates a broad range of technologies and practices in both traditional and future methods of energy generation and storage.

Energy generation

We assess traditional generation methods, such as energy from fossil fuels, and develop processes and technologies to improve efficiency and minimise environmental impact. Project work in this area includes our extensive coal gasification program.

Through our solar thermal and hydrogen technologies research we also examine renewable technologies as an energy source, both as a stand-alone option and integrated with fossil fuels.

Energy storage

Energy storage is an element that is key to:

• improved energy delivery
• increased reliability
• reduced emissions.

A range of existing and emerging technologies is applicable to:

• distributed generation systems
• central power producers
• remote area power producers
• road transport industry.

CSIRO’s work in energy storage includes research into:

• high performance batteries
• supercapacitors
• fuel cells.

This work has practical applications for telecommunications, notebook computers, household electronics, remote area supply systems and environmentally friendly transport.

Distributed energy

Distributed energy is a significant research area for CSIRO. The concept of distributed energy involves the local generation of power, heat and cooling using emerging gas technologies and integrating with selected renewables and traditional generation.

We work in collaboration with the Centre for Distributed Energy and Power (CenDEP) and showcase various distributed energy technologies at the CSIRO Energy Centre. For example microturbine gas engines roughly the size of a household refrigerator are being demonstrated at the Centre to examine co-generation. That is, recovering the heat from exhaust gas and using it for heating and cooling applications ranging from hot water to building airconditioning.

Find out more about supercapacitors.