Energy and decarbonisation encompasses research on cleaner energy generation and cutting carbon emissions across power and industry. Our researchers develop next-generation renewable energy technologies, advanced energy storage systems, and hydrogen fuel cell innovations to drive the transition away from fossil fuels. From high-efficiency solar and wind systems to grid-scale batteries and clean hydrogen fuel, we are enabling a reliable, affordable net-zero carbon energy future. This theme supports Australia's shift to sustainable energy and global efforts to combat climate change.
Our research spans three subthemes across multidisciplinary research
Our research aims to develop innovative, efficient, and cost-effective technologies that harness renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. This research is driven by the need to improve the performance and reliability of renewable systems, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. By integrating expertise across electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering disciplines, the theme supports the creation of scalable solutions that address global energy and environmental challenges. This research theme aligns closely with our broader research strategy, which emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, sustainability, and impact-driven innovation.
A key focus of this research is the development of integrated technologies that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and scalability of renewable energy systems. This includes innovations in energy conversion, storage, and grid integration, particularly in solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy applications. To achieve these goals in renewable energy research, we are advancing technologies across multiple fronts, including solar photovoltaics, wind energy systems, hydroelectric innovations, and bioenergy solutions. Researchers are developing new materials, improving energy conversion and storage systems, and enhancing grid integration to ensure renewable sources are more efficient, reliable, and economically viable. This work is deeply interdisciplinary, drawing on expertise from electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering to create scalable solutions that support the global transition to sustainable energy.
This research aims to improve integrated renewable energy systems with a focus on efficiency, reliability, and scalability, by developing advanced technologies in energy conversion, storage, and grid integration across solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. This approach enhances the performance and economic viability of clean energy, contributing to a low-carbon future with real-world benefits such as more reliable solar-powered homes, efficient wind farms, and sustainable bioenergy for rural communities.
Professor Yuan Chen, Professor Jun Huang, Professor Assaad Masri, Associate Professor Weidong Xiao, Dr Jing Qiu
CSIRO, University of Newcastle, University of Queensland, UNSW, ABB, Australian Government
Our research aims to develop advanced technologies that enable the efficient and reliable storage of renewable energy. By focusing on high-capacity batteries and other innovative storage systems, we are working to ensure that energy from sources like solar and wind can be stored and delivered consistently. A key focus of this research is the development of high-performance, scalable energy storage systems that can effectively store and release energy generated from renewable sources like solar and wind. This includes advancing battery technologies with greater capacity, faster charging, longer life cycles, and lower environmental impact.
To achieve its goals in energy storage research, we are developing advanced battery technologies and storage systems that can efficiently capture and release energy from renewable sources like solar and wind. We are working on improving battery capacity, durability, and integration with the power grid. This includes exploring new materials, electrochemical processes, and system-level designs that enhance performance and reduce costs.
This research aims to improve energy storage technologies with a focus on storing renewable energy from sources like solar and wind, by developing high-capacity, durable battery systems and advanced grid integration methods, which enhance energy reliability and reduce fossil fuel dependence and ultimately help power homes, schools, and communities with clean energy even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
Professor Yuan Chen, Professor Zongwen Liu, Professor Glenn Platt, Associate Professor Weidong Xiao, Dr Jing Qiu
The aim of our research is to advance technologies across the entire hydrogen energy chain from producing green hydrogen using renewable sources to converting it into electricity through high-efficiency fuel cells. We are developing scalable, cost-effective, and zero-emission solutions that position hydrogen as a key enabler of a clean energy future. A key focus of this research is to develop efficient and scalable technologies across the hydrogen energy chain, including the production of green hydrogen using renewable energy and its conversion into electricity via advanced fuel cells. We aim to improve the performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of hydrogen systems, enabling hydrogen to serve as a clean, zero-emission energy source for transport, industry, and power generation.
To achieve these goals, we are working on innovative hydrogen production methods such as electrolysis powered by solar and wind energy, and developing next-generation fuel cells with higher efficiency and durability. Our work includes material science for better catalysts, system integration for energy networks, and pilot projects that demonstrate hydrogen’s role in decarbonising sectors like transport and manufacturing. p>
This research aims to improve hydrogen production and fuel cell technologies with a focus on enabling clean, zero-emission energy, by developing efficient green hydrogen generation methods and advanced fuel cell systems, which enhance energy sustainability and reduce carbon emissions—and ultimately help power vehicles, homes, and industries with clean energy that supports a healthier planet and a low-carbon future.
Professor Assaad Masri, Associate Professor Dries Verstraete, Dr Jing Qiu
AMSL Aero
