December 4, 2023

New UOW-based ARC Training Centre will address renewable energy challenges

Centre will work to decarbonise Australian power grids

Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes today (Monday 4 December) officially launched the Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Grids Training Centre at the University of Wollongong (UOW).

The new centre for training, funded with a $5 million contribution from the ARC, aims to tackle the specific challenges that hinder advances of renewable energy. Its primary focus is on devising innovative methods and technologies to seamlessly incorporate renewable resources into electricity grids, all the while ensuring the stability of the grid.

The ARC Future Grids Training Centre is poised to emerge as a premier research and training hub, driving Australia’s shift towards a cleaner energy future. The centre fosters collaboration among top-tier researchers, engineers, government entities, and industry partners, with the objective of educating the upcoming cohort of industry leaders and specialists in future grid technologies. The overarching goal is to contribute to a more sustainable, reliable, secure, and cost-effective electricity system.

Director of the ARC Future Grids Training Centre Senior Professor Kashem Muttaqi said a commitment to power grid decarbonisation is at the forefront of the new Centre’s mission.

“In a world where the impact of climate change is undeniable, decarbonising our power grids is not just a necessity, it is an urgent ethical imperative. The ARC Future Grids Training Centre will serve as a crucible for groundbreaking research aimed at reforming our power grids and paving the way for a sustainable energy future.

“The integration of renewable energy into the Australian electricity grid is a central aspect of our mission. With our abundant renewable resources, Australia has a unique opportunity to lead the world in adopting renewable energy solutions. Through rigorous research, innovation, and collaborative endeavors, we aim to accelerate the integration of renewable energy sources into our electricity grid, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future.”

Launching the centre, Alison Byrnes said, “The ARC Future Grids Training Centre at the University of Wollongong will help empower Australians to embrace a clean energy future, reduce emissions, support the jobs of the future and improve the quality of life for everyone. 

“The Training Centre is well-positioned to attract students and researchers who are passionate about making a positive difference in Australia’s electricity sector.

“This launch is another testament to University of Wollongong’s pursuit of research excellence.”   

UOW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Patricia M Davidson said, “UOW is proud to be harnessing our expertise, passion and strength to create a positive impact in local and global communities. I am sure the Future Grids Training Centre has the potential to catalyse growth, productivity and competitiveness of Australia’s electricity sector.”