As Australia moves towards a net zero emissions future, renewable energy sources such as rooftop and utility scale solar and wind, with energy storage systems are expected to dominate the national electricity grid by 2050. Ensuring the stability and security of this increasingly renewable dominated power system remains a critical challenge.
Power and Energy engineering experts from UQ’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science are addressing this challenge through a $1.14 million Australian Research Council Discovery Project focused on the secure integration of variable renewable energy into the electricity system.
Led by Professor Tapan Saha, with Associate Professor Ruifeng (Richard) Yan and Dr Feng An, the project brings together UQ’s electrical engineering expertise to develop new approaches for maintaining grid stability as conventional generators are phased out.
“Solar, wind and storage play a central role in Australia’s future electricity supply, but they don’t inherently provide the same level of system stability delivered by traditional synchronously rotating generators,” Professor Saha said.
“As reliance on renewables increases, new coordinated solutions are needed to keep the grid secure and reliable.”
The research will develop fundamental knowledge to renewable generator stability assessment and solutions, which allows renewable energy and storage, including batteries and pumped hydro, to actively support essential grid security services.Associate Professor Yan said growing levels of variable generation added complexity to power system operation.
“Understanding how weather-driven resources interact with the broader power system is key to designing reliable, future-ready electricity networks,” he said.
Dr Feng An, said the project focuses on practical outcomes aligned with Australia’s long-term energy needs.
“Our research supports innovative outcomes for a reliable, affordable electricity system that underpins electrification while meeting net zero goals,” he said.
The project is expected to inform the design and operation of future electricity systems in Australia and globally, positioning UQ at the forefront of renewable energy grid integration research.
