Australia’s federal scientific research organization CSIRO launched its Centre for Hybrid Energy Systems earlier this month, which is a centre designed to research and improve “cutting edge” renewable and hybrid energy technologies.
The Centre for Hybrid Energy Systems (CHES) is intended to be a “hub for researchers and industry to identify, improve, and then tailor energy technologies to meet specific requirements.” The project has the backing of CSIRO’s long and successful history, which includes the invention of insect repellent, the development of the Parkes Observatory which broadcast the Apollo 11 pictures to the world, and which was integral to the development of WiFi.
Now, CSIRO is turning its attention to the development of hybrid technologies — where two or more forms of energy generation, storage, or end-use technologies are combined, bringing with it overall cost and efficiency benefits (as compared to single-source energy systems) that will be integral to the widespread growth of renewable technology over the next years. The Centre will aim to create a collaborative space that will allow researchers, industry, and government to maximize the value of local energy sources.
“These technologies are becoming cost competitive, but the key to greater use is to combine them in connected hybrid systems,” said CSIRO Fellow Dr Sukhvinder Badwal, referring to renewable and modular power generation, as well as solar technologies such as batteries, fuel cells, and household solar. “By doing this, we can offer substantial improvements in performance, reliability of power, flexibility and cost.”
“The opening of the Centre for Hybrid Energy Systems will expand research in this area and marks a significant milestone to ensure the success of any industry cooperation,” added Allen Chao, Australian Director of Delta Energy Systems, a developer and manufacturer of solar electric vehicle fast-charging technologies, which is partnering with CSIRO in CHES.
Image Credit: CSIRO
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