Monash Report 2024 – Goal 7

Monash University Report 2024 on the UN Sustainable Development Goals

7 AFFORDABLE AND
CLEAN ENERGY

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable
and modern energy for all

Research
Education
Engagement
Operations

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2024 Publications Performance View

In 2024 Monash University researchers produced 400 publications related to SDG 7, with a mean Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) of 1.72.

What is Field-Weighted Citation Impact?

Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) refers to the ratio of the actual number of citations received by a research output and the total citations expected based on the average of the subject field. An FWCI value of 1 may be interpreted as having ‘world average impact’. Thus, a publication with an FWCI of more than 1 indicates higher than expected citations based on the global average for similar publications. As FWCI reflects citations received to date, a publication’s FWCI value may fluctuate over time.

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Monash University's contributions to clean energy and hydrogen sector View

Monash University is actively contributing to the development of clean energy technologies and the hydrogen sector in Australia through various initiatives:

The Climateworks Centre at Monash University is modeling scenarios to reduce emissions cost-effectively, emphasising renewable hydrogen's role in Australia's energy future.
Monash University is developing an online tool for estimating life-cycle emissions in hydrogen production, supporting green hydrogen production principles.
Researchers at the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, including Professor Chris Greening, Professor Jill Banfield, and Dr Bob Leung, have discovered how archaea use hydrogen gas for energy, potentially inspiring new industrial hydrogen production methods.

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‘Self-healing’ solar cells could become reality View

Professor Udo Bach from Monash Engineering, along with researchers from the University of Oxford and the City University of Hong Kong, has co-authored a study on 'self-healing' solar cells. This breakthrough could lead to more reliable and efficient perovskite solar cells, which are crucial for the global transition to sustainable energy. The study, published in Nature, introduces a novel strategy to enhance the stability and performance of perovskite solar cells through a 'self-healing' mechanism.

feature - facilities renewal generation

This innovation addresses critical issues related to defect passivation in perovskites, resulting in solar cells with 25.1% power conversion efficiency and remarkable stability under accelerated ageing tests.

Read the full article in Monash Engineering News

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Electrified reactor cuts emissions by 60 per cent in key industries View

Monash engineers, led by Professor Akshat Tanksale from the ARC Research Hub for Carbon Utilisation and Recycling and the Woodside Monash Energy Partnership, have developed an electrified reactor that significantly reduces emissions in industries such as chemical manufacturing, fertiliser production, and hydrogen generation. This reactor, which uses custom 3D-printed monoliths and is powered by renewable energy, can cut carbon emissions by 60% and improve efficiency by converting 96% of methane into usable energy.

The innovation offers a sustainable alternative to traditional high-temperature processes that rely on fossil fuels, facilitating decarbonisation without compromising productivity or profitability.

Read the full article in Monash Engineering News

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Electric aircraft potential as Monash commercialises new battery technology View

Monash University engineers, including Maleesha Nishshanke, Dr Petar Jovanović, and Professor Mainak Majumder from the Monash Nanoscale Science and Engineering Lab (NSEL) and the ARC Research Hub for Advanced Manufacturing with 2D Materials, have developed an ultra-fast charging lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery.

This breakthrough technology, published in Advanced Energy Materials, could power long-haul electric vehicles, commercial drones, and potentially electric aircraft. The Li-S batteries are lighter, double the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries, and are a greener alternative.

The research, supported by the US Air Force Office of Sponsored Research, positions Australia as a leader in the expanding Li-S battery market, with potential economic and job growth benefits.

Read the full article in Monash Engineering News

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Advancing energy transition through behaviour and efficiency View

Monash University researchers are advancing the energy transition through behaviour change, renewable energy adoption, and energy efficiency:

BehaviourWorks Australia evaluated the Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP) to assess incentives for energy upgrades, suggesting a HECS-type scheme to aid low-income households.
The Climateworks Centre used the AusTIMES model to explore renewable energy deployment with battery storage as a cost-effective emissions reduction strategy.
The Centre also emphasised integrating home electrification with insulation improvements to accelerate decarbonisation, supporting policies like the National Energy Performance Strategy.

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Australia's clean energy future relies on large-scale electricity storage View

Associate Professor Guillaume Roger from Monash University's Faculty of Business and Economics authored a white paper highlighting the critical role of large-scale electricity storage in achieving Australia's clean energy targets. The report, launched in conjunction with the Monash Energy Institute, outlines policy recommendations and reforms necessary for efficient storage operation and investment. These include implementing Locational Marginal Pricing, a day-ahead market, and promoting forward contracting.

landscape with solar panel grid

The research emphasises the need for new financial instruments and further research to support a renewable-centric energy market, aiming to meet Australia's ambitious clean energy goals.

Read the full article in Monash News

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Engineers unlock lithium from extreme environments View

Ocean with diagrams of minerals

Monash engineers, led by Dr Zhikao Li from the Monash Suzhou Research Institute and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, have developed a groundbreaking technology for direct lithium extraction from extreme environments. This innovation, known as EDTA-aided loose nanofiltration (EALNF), allows for the simultaneous extraction of lithium and magnesium from brines, making the process more sustainable and efficient.

The technology addresses the growing demand for lithium, crucial for sustainable technologies, and offers a solution to potential future shortages by enabling access to previously untappable sources. The method also produces freshwater as a by-product, addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional extraction methods.

Read the full article in Monash Engineering News

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Unit statistics and highlights View

In 2024, Monash offered 58 units directly related to SDG 7, with 8221 total enrolments.

Highlighted below are a few of the units at Monash related to Affordable and Clean Energy:

ENG1051 Materials for energy and sustainability
MEC5888 Renewable energy systems
MEC6885 Energy efficiency and sustainability engineering

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Liquid hydrogen as a clean energy carrier View

Rohith Prakash, a PhD student from India, is conducting research at Monash University's Department of Civil Engineering on the safe transport and storage of liquid hydrogen, focusing on sloshing effects and boil-off rates. This research, supervised by Dr Tom Hughes, is part of the Maitri Scholars Program funded by the Australian Government, aiming to enhance academic collaboration between Australia and India.

The project supports the renewable energy sector and aligns with the Green Hydrogen Taskforce and India's National Hydrogen Mission.

Read the full article in Monash Engineering News

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Advancing sustainable energy technology View

Dr Tan Wen Shan from the School of Engineering at Monash University Malaysia has been awarded the Impact Award at the 2024 Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Innovation Challenge for his pioneering work on the energy Control cost Optimisation System (eCOS). This digital control system integrates Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage (BES) to reduce energy costs for consumers by up to 20%.

The project, funded by a RM2.2 million grant from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), utilises mathematical optimisation and AI technology to manage energy flow, promoting cleaner energy use. A 200 kWh BES unit has been successfully installed at a customer site in Ipoh, marking a key milestone.

The project aligns with Monash University Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable innovation and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on clean energy and climate action.

SEDA Awards Group Pic

Read the full article in Monash Malaysia News

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Lithium extraction breakthrough a huge step towards a greener future View

Monash University spinout company ElectraLith, backed by Rio Tinto, IP Group, and Monash Investment Holdings, has developed a Direct Lithium Extraction and Refining (DLE-R) technology that produces battery-grade lithium hydroxide without using water or chemicals, and with minimal energy. This breakthrough, based on research by Professor Huanting Wang from the Faculty of Engineering, addresses the urgent global demand to reduce the economic and environmental costs of lithium production, a key component in clean energy solutions.

Scientist working in lab

The technology is set to be trialed at Rio Tinto's Rincon Project in Argentina in 2026.

Read the full article in Monash News

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Energy efficiency initiatives for Australian homes View

The Energy Upgrades for Australian Homes (EUAH) project and the Climate-ready Homes Report, both led by the Monash Sustainable Development Institute and Climateworks Centre, focus on enhancing energy efficiency in Australian homes to address climate change and rising energy costs:

The EUAH project aims to upgrade one million homes by 2030, providing tools and knowledge for effective home energy upgrades.
The Climate-ready Homes Report highlights the potential for emissions reduction and energy cost savings through thermal efficiency upgrades, emphasising targeted policies for different climate zones.

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Monash University's clean energy initiatives in Southeast Asia View

Monash University, through its Climateworks Centre and other departments, has been actively involved in various initiatives to promote clean energy and sustainable development in Southeast Asia and beyond:

The Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Summit in Ho Chi Minh City facilitated collaborations for a low carbon transition, emphasising renewable energy and sustainable development.
The ASEAN Special Summit in Melbourne included climate and clean energy as key agenda items, highlighting the importance of collaboration between Australia and Southeast Asia.
At COP29, Monash supported Southeast Asian countries in their transition to net zero emissions, focusing on a just energy transition.
The ASEAN Green Future webinar highlighted the role of data and modelling in accelerating decarbonisation in Southeast Asia.
The Green Economy Summit in Ho Chi Minh City focused on clean energy, technology, and finance, promoting regional prosperity while reducing emissions.
The Southeast Asia Just Energy Transition Fellowship Program provided an immersive experience for climate and energy leaders from Indonesia and Vietnam.
A workshop organised by the Asean Centre for Energy focused on building climate-resilient energy systems in Southeast Asia.

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All Energy Conference hears from Climateworks experts View

The Clean Energy Council's All Energy Conference in Melbourne featured six experts from the Climateworks Centre, who discussed topics such as global decarbonisation, policy drivers, and green hydrogen. Wei Sue, Head of Strategy at Climateworks, highlighted the opportunities for Australia in achieving net zero industrial precincts. Dr Calvin Lee shared insights on industrial decarbonisation, emphasising the Australian Industry Energy Transition Initiative. Kylie Turner discussed the Future Made in Australia framework's potential to drive investment in clean energy.

Professor John Thwaites AM, Chair of Climateworks Centre and Monash Sustainable Development Institute, led a session on the importance of policy in emissions reduction, with contributions from Dr Glen Currie and Jo Sanson on gas transition and land use policies.

Read the full article in Climateworks News

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Climateworks signs MoU supporting low-carbon battery industry View

Climateworks Centre and the Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a roadmap for critical mineral processing for the low-carbon battery industry between Indonesia and Australia. This partnership aims to create a sustainable supply chain for battery manufacturing, leveraging Australia's expertise in climate action and Indonesia's critical minerals reserves.

The collaboration seeks to contribute to global decarbonisation efforts and accelerate the transition to clean energy technologies.

Read the full article in Climateworks News

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Leading the charge towards a sustainable future View

Monash University is advancing towards a sustainable future by installing 48 new electric vehicle (EV) charging bays across its Clayton, Caulfield, and Peninsula campuses, making it the Australian university with the most extensive EV charging network. This initiative supports Monash's commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030.

The project, facilitated by a grant from the Victorian Government's Zero Emissions Vehicles Commercial Sector Innovation Fund, includes partnerships with ENGIE Australia & New Zealand for supply and maintenance. The installation aims to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainable transport options, with plans to transition the entire fleet to electric vehicles, reducing CO₂ emissions by 677 tonnes annually.

EV image

Read the full article in the Monash Insider

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Update on Monash University's Net Zero by 2030 commitment View

Monash University has updated its Net Zero by 2030 commitment, advancing its goal to source 100% of electricity from renewable sources to 2025 and adjusting the target for full electrification of gas infrastructure to 2040. The university has made significant progress, including a 57% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2015, installation of solar panels, and sourcing electricity from a wind farm.

Despite the challenges of transitioning from natural gas, Monash remains committed to achieving its Net Zero target by using high integrity carbon offsets.

Photo of wooden bridge for cyclists

Read the full article in the Monash Insider

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Upgraded pool vehicle service View

The Monash University Buildings and Property Division is upgrading the pool vehicle service as part of the Net Zero Transport Strategy. Starting 14 October, the existing petrol-powered Holden Cruze vehicles will be replaced with Toyota RAV4 hybrid vehicles.

This transition aims to reduce the carbon footprint and align with sustainability objectives. The service will be available at Clayton and Caulfield campuses, with a new pricing structure introduced to remain competitive with commercial carshare options.

Monash Clayton campus photo