CSIRO will have greater capacity to test new technologies as part of a $3 million upgrade to its Renewable Energy Integration Facility (REIF) in Newcastle.
The expanded hub boasts a suite of advanced capabilities, including the ability to simulate microgrids and grid faults, test inverter performance under real-world conditions and run large-scale experiments combining solar, batteries and electric vehicles.
A standout demonstration is CSIRO’s vehicle-to-grid technology, where electric vehicles hold flexible batteries to store solar energy and return power to the grid during peak demand.
CSIRO chief executive Dr Doug Hilton said the REIF expansion comes at an important time.
“As Australia transitions to a cleaner, more electrified economy, we need the confidence that new energy technologies can operate safely and reliably across the system. This upgraded facility strengthens Australia’s capability to test exactly that,” he said.
“The facility will support more efficient use of electrical infrastructure, ultimately helping improve energy affordability for Australian homes and businesses.”
CSIRO program director of energy systems research Dr John Ward said the REIF provides a collaborative platform to conquer the most complex challenges facing the Australian energy system.
“Australia faces unique challenges – from long, remote distribution networks and record levels of rooftop solar, to increasingly volatile weather and rising demand from energy-intensive data centres,” he said.
“This facility allows us to work side-by-side with industry and market bodies to design innovative solutions, while providing a rigorous, independent environment to evaluate new technologies before they’re deployed.”
Industry and research organisations focused on addressing energy-sector challenges are encouraged to contact CSIRO about potential collaboration opportunities at EnergyEOI@csiro.au.
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