The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Alison Byrnes MP, Member for Cunningham
The Albanese Government is investing more than $1 million in a University of Wollongong (UOW) study finding ways to keep Australia's grid secure through the renewable energy transformation underway.
The $1.04 million Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) grant will support the University of Wollongong's Harmonics study, to develop a methodology that will help energy grids accommodate variable energy outputs, such as wind and solar generation.
The research project will help overcome the effects of voltage waveform distortion, known as harmonics, which can adversely impact grids and hold back renewables.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the project was important to the nation's clean energy future.
"Australian businesses and households are already moving with their feet on more affordable and clean solar energy, and we need to ensure the grid is up to scratch for the changes ahead.
"Australia is aiming to generate 82% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, and this project will address key technical and regulatory challenges to usher in the new era," Minister Bowen said.
"With the support of ARENA, this project will help standardise practice across network providers for variable wind and solar - and this project will be instrumental in informing a submission to amend the Australian Standards."
Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes said the University of Wollongong was blazing a trail for Australia's electricity grids.
"The total value of this project is $2.28 million, and it's great to see our local university working with industry to develop solutions to a complex problem," Ms Byrnes said.
"The Illawarra has a strong future in clean energy jobs, and it's great to see our excellent researchers also get the chance to help the country as it undergoes this massive transformation into a renewable energy superpower."
University of Wollongong's Australian Power Quality and Reliability Centre is leading the project supported by 12 industry stakeholders, including transmission and distribution network service providers, renewable energy developers and renewable energy equipment suppliers.
