Future energy grid laboratory launched in Australia

Siemens and Swinburne University of Technology have launched a future energy grid laboratory in Melbourne, Australia, enabling users to leverage digital twins of energy grids and to run simulations of new solutions, particularly the intermix and influx of various sources of energy into the grid.

The energy transition hub, located at the University’s Hawthorn campus in Melbourne, features advanced digital energy technology from Siemens and the technical, R&D and teaching expertise of Swinburne.

The $5.2 million hub, also known as a future energy grid laboratory, is accessible to students, teaching staff and industry.

With a digital twin of Australia’s energy market, the hub also enables commercial research teams to run simulations of new solutions, particularly the intermix and influx of various sources of energy into the grid.

The hub enables users to leverage digital twins of energy grids, map scenarios, research new findings, develop original and creative hypotheses and test results.

According to Siemens, the digital twin of Australia’s energy grid will help commercial research teams run simulations of new, innovative solutions and software.

Researchers, students and industry can also use the opportunity to work on solutions for greener, more efficient future energy systems using Siemens Xcelerator, the company’s open digital business platform and marketplace.

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Commented deputy vice-chancellor and research at Swinburne, professor Karen Hapgood: “Australia’s ambitious carbon reduction targets need a multipronged approach by industry, research and government.

“The new Siemens Swinburne energy transition hub will be working on new technologies to improve efficiency, supply, integration, storage, transport and use, as well as how we can improve existing technologies and frameworks. We need change fast, and the Siemens-Swinburne team will focus on taking ideas to market – where they can make the most impact as quickly as possible.”

The announcement comes shortly after Siemens and Swinburne announced collaboration on the AI for Net Zero project that will develop comprehensive guidelines for responsible AI adoption and foster ethical practices within the energy industry, whilst helping accelerate the adoption of renewable energy for achieving net zero targets.

The microgrid technologies include SICAM A8000 and SIPROTEC5 devices for control and protection. The planning stations feature Siemens PSS software, which is used by over 70% of utilities and independent system operators including AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator) and grid operators.

Said Peter Halliday, CEO and chairman, Siemens Australia and New Zealand: “Collaboration between industry and academia is critical to driving better outcomes on key topics of national importance such as the energy transition.

“Australia’s contribution to global emissions is just over 1%. As industry and as a society, we should be focusing on reducing our emissions beyond the 1%, using digitalisation as the key lever to drive long-term sustainability. The Hub is a great example of how the best minds can collaborate to help shape the future.”