Monash University a key player in global collaboration: The Electric Power Innovation for a Carbon-free Society Centre

Monash University has emerged as a key collaborator in a ground-breaking global initiative designed to drive clean energy innovation and combat climate change. This collaboration has garnered 118M AUD in research and development investment from the National Science Foundation Global Centres in Climate Change and Clean Energy (NSF Global Centres) program.

In a joint effort between Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the Electric Power Innovation for a Carbon-free Society (EPICS) Centre was announced as part of the program.

The EPICS Centre will be a global scientific leader in developing transformative computing, economic strategies, engineering solutions, and forward-thinking policy to enable a completely renewable energy power grid. The project is a joint effort between Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and is led by Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, Australian Energy Market Operator, the University of Melbourne and Monash University.

Monash University has played a pivotal role in this ambitious global endeavour, reaffirming its dedication to combating climate change. As outlined in its visionary Impact 2030 strategy, Monash is committed to being a frontrunner in environmental sustainability efforts.

At the forefront of Monash University’s involvement is Dr Behrooz Bahrani, an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering and Director of the Grid Innovation Hub. Dr Bahrani welcomed the news stating:

“Being a part of the prestigious EPICS Centre, in collaboration with leading national and international institutes, underscores our collective commitment to pioneering solutions towards a carbon-free society. With a keen focus on addressing challenges related to solid-state inverters, our work aims not only to optimise renewable energy integration but also to ensure a seamless transition to a 100 per cent renewable energy mix.”

“Harnessing the potential of inverter-based resources, while mitigating their inherent challenges, is vital for the world’s journey towards sustainable and equitable energy systems. This ground-breaking initiative champions both technical innovation and global collaboration, as we stride forward in our mission towards a net-zero future,” Dr Bahrani said.

The partnership between Monash University and its international collaborators symbolises the growing global consensus on tackling climate change. By channeling resources into clean energy innovation and research, these institutions are taking significant strides toward reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the impacts of global warming.