Our work with the energy industry
Partner with us
We partner with local and global companies to deliver energy solutions for a sustainable future. We also work with state and federal governments, universities, research agencies and industry groups. These partnerships range from the provision of testing services and short-term contracts, to in-business scientists for SMEs, or longer-term research and strategic alliances.
We work with our partners on research that aims to:
- improve the affordability, reliability and grid integration of renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind and biofuels
- provide the transport sector with sustainable fuels and energy storage solutions
- improve the way Australia uses energy at home and at work by using new technologies and improving the electricity grid
- provide government and industry with the tools, data and modelling capability to inform policy assessment and investment decision making.
Our facilities, which can be accessed by our partners, include:
Solar PV Performance Laboratories
We operate three specialised solar PV measurement laboratories a which focus on individual solar cell measurements, an outdoor solar panel testing laboratory, and Wavelabs Sinus 3000 solar simulator—one of only three of its kind globally - that uses spectrally-adjustable LED technology to replicate different solar conditions in the lab. Our solar cell measurements are accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities under the IEC17025 technical competency standard, ensuring internationally recognised quality and reliability.
Built as Australia’s first synthetic fuels research facility, SynCat is able to run continuously and unmanned. It is a unique, purpose-built facility for research and development in gas processing and conversion technologies, producing real-world, industry-relevant data.
National Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Performance Test Facility (HVAC)
As the development of new cooling technologies grows, testing facilities which can evaluate units and systems against Australian standards, in tightly controlled conditions, are critical to the product development process. At the HVAC, we provide test services for air conditioners and heat pumps in Newcastle NSW. The facility utilises two temperature controlled rooms to provide a simultaneous indoor and outdoor test environment.
Renewable Energy Integration Facility (REIF)
As the demand and use of renewable energy technologies in both commercial and residential environments increases, understanding how electricity generated by these sources can be integrated into grid designs is critical. Our REIF demonstrates how electricity networks will work in the future and allows us to evaluate new grid technologies in a real-world development and testing environment.
Hydrogen Technology Demonstration Facility
Our facility enables industry and researchers to demonstrate and test innovative hydrogen technologies that span across the production value chain, including production, separation and processing, storage, and utilisation.
Stored Energy Integration Facility (SEIF)
SEIF is a platform to test stored energy technology and hardware in a controlled environment, so that we can integrate stored energy on a commercial scale. Our platform captures onsite generation and provides tariff-driven energy management to minimise the load on the grid during peak times. This means we can monitor how to use energy in the most efficient way.
National Energy Analysis Centre (NEAC)
NEAC looks to integrate technical and social aspects of the energy transition to provide fast, accurate data at any scale. It will feature a Living Lab component of thousands of people in real homes and business across Australia ready for research; and a Systems Science Toolbox that will include curated datasets, a multi-energy systems science framework, and analytical tools.
Our successes through partnerships
Through our partnerships we have delivered many commercial solutions. Our OptiCOOL and ComfortSENSE technologies are helping building owners dramatically reduce their energy consumption and costs by up to 30 per cent, and a unique zero emissions house design is now available.
We are also part of a five-year R&D alliance with GE, which is exploring the future for Australia's electricity system. We're also working with Boeing on biofuels for aviation and with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on air turbines for solar thermal power plants.
