About

About the Monash Energy Institute

Director: Professor Ariel Liebman

As Director of the Monash Energy Institute, Ariel leads Monash’s Digital Energy initiatives. He brings together researchers from across disciplines such as Economics, Econometrics, Data Science, Optimisation and Electrical Engineering to identify ways to optimally integrate new and renewable technologies into the system.

Two women shaking hands at Monash Energy Conferece

Meet our leadership team

Meet our leadership team comprised of researchers leading our 5 themes; consumers, materials and devices, smart energy systems, markets and policy, and energy resources.

Contact us

General enquiries
E: energy-institute@monash.edu

Research and partnership enquiries
Shreejan Pandey
General Manager, Monash Energy Institute
Monash University, Clayton Campus
E: shreejan.pandey@monash.edu

Media enquiries
T: +61 3 9903 4840
Email: media@monash.edu

Our commitment

  • Vision

    Bringing people together to solve global energy problems.

  • Mission

    To accelerate the transition towards a sustainable energy future through impactful interdisciplinary research and education programs for Monash University and its trusted partners.

  • University

    Develop a global presence in the energy sector through impact-driven interdisciplinary programs, trusted partners and an active alumni network.

  • Colleagues

    Foster an inclusive, proactive and engaged community, and develop interdisciplinary research programs with strategic partners to deliver local and global impact.

  • Students

    Support a vibrant energy student community equipped with industry-ready skills and professional networks.

  • Partners

    Develop trusted industry partnerships that are underpinned by excellent R&D capabilities, access to student talent, and professional development.

Tackling the big questions in energy research is deeply interdisciplinary

Our world today is going through a phenomenal period of change in the way we harness and use energy. Yet, we still do not know how to transition to an energy future that addresses climate change issues, while ensuring that people have access to reliable and affordable energy sources. Driven by our strong track-record and our commitment to the university and to our colleagues, students and trusted partners, the Monash Energy Institute aims to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable, and reliable energy future for all.

Enable the energy transition

Monash Energy Institute has been instrumental in harnessing the university’s research capital and capabilities to deliver transformative initiatives such as the Net Zero Initiative, the Grid Innovation Hub and the Woodside Monash Energy Partnership. The Institute has connected leading educators and researchers with industry to facilitate problem-solving, innovation and commercialisation in the energy sector, but also help align educational goals with the current and future needs of the energy sector, and to offer joint PhD scholarships. To enable this transition, we need the brightest minds working together. With over 175 academic staff involved in energy research and three ARC Centres of Excellence dedicated to energy – ACES, ACEx and FLEET, Monash University is uniquely placed to meet the challenges posed by the changing demands of the Australian and international energy landscapes.

What big problems are we trying to solve?

We're working to solve these problems through our research.

Advancing new energy solutions

The development of new technologies is necessary to meet future energy demands. It is well known that oil reserves are expected to last for only the next 50 years and that technologies, such as Li-ion batteries and CdTe solar cells, are resource constrained. A shift towards alternative fuels and scalable energy technologies that harness earth-abundant and non-toxic materials are required.

Accelerating the energy transformation

The energy sector is facing complex challenges and rapid transformation, with ageing infrastructure, increasing supply volatility and evolving consumer behaviours, combined with dynamic regulatory environments and the trend towards decarbonisation.

Integrating a consumer led future

Energy consumers are increasingly expecting the electric grid to integrate distributed generation and energy technologies. The 'prosumer' movement has given rise to technical operational challenges and equity concerns. A two-way electricity grid that optimises prosumer assets to reduce network costs, increase resilience, and integrate more data, digitalisation and automation is expected to deliver new value, new business models and services.