Monash Energy Newsletters
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2022
January
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Welcome to a new year of Monash Energy News.
2021 included highlights such as RACE for 2030 CRC projects, new lithium-sulfur battery technology, funding for Monash’s microgrid outreach program, awards for the Woodside Monash Partnership, and ERICA’s State of Energy Research Conference (SoERC2021).
The start to this year comes with renewed urgency around the fight against Climate Change. With the 2021 UN climate conference, COP26, the aim of reducing fossil fuel emissions and aiding sustainable development are burning priorities. We now have less than 10 years until the world runs out of the 1.5 degree carbon budget! Monash has set this as one of our three Strategic challenges to 2030 and with energy the main culprit, we must also be a key solution driver.
We welcome our team back with all hands on decks, Professor Ariel Liebman, Dr Roger Dargaville, Shreejan Pandey, Professor Sarah Pink, A/Professor Yolande Strengers, Professor Mainak Majumder, Scott Ferraro, A/Professor Guillaume Roger and Professor Mark Wallace. We also particularly welcome Dr Behrooz Bahrani who joined us in 2021 as inaugural Associate Director for the Energy Grids theme and Professor Paul Webley, Director of the Monash Woodside Partnership as lead for our new Clean Fuels and Hydrogen theme.
It looks like 2022 will be the make-or-break year for real climate action. We call on all Monash researchers and industry engagement professionals as well as our industry and government partners to reach out to us as soon as possible to develop collaboration opportunities and new projects for 2022.
News
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Monash Hydrogen Supply Hub funding granted
A feasibility study looking at end-users in the Monash Precinct and regional Victoria to provide renewable hydrogen has been successful under the Victorian Government's Renewable Hydrogen Business Ready Fund. With Prof Paul Webley, Dr Tom Hughes, Prof Jacek Jasieniak, and Scott Ferraro.
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Vestas launches Prof Peter Wallace Prize & Internship
Partnering with Monash University and the Wallace Family, Vestas has established and sponsored the Professor Peter Wallace Prize & Internship. The initiative celebrates the late Professor Peter Wallace (1939 – 2021), a pioneer of Australia’s energy transition.
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Broad themes at SoERC2021
SoERC2021 in review – "Energy is a wildly complex issue, and the range of topics covered during the SoERC reflected this complexity." By Julianne Tice, Senior Project Officer, Energy Efficiency Council.
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Driving down costs
Recent research by Monash University and Griffith University unpacks that slogan by evidencing tax concessions that are needed to increase the numbers of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). With Dr Diane Kraal.
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Making the transition to renewable energy
Dr Mahdokht Shaibani and Dr Kirsty Nash were two of five women awarded the For Women in Science Fellowship. Dr Shaibani is a battery engineer and advocate at Monash University working to establish an independent battery supply chain in Australia.
Events
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Wind Industry Forum 2022
17 March 2022. Bringing together wind energy specialists from across the country, the Wind Industry Forum 2022 is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the technical side of the wind industry, including those who operate in policy, grid and system strength, construction and safety, asset management and social licence.
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Large-Scale Solar Forum 2022
19 May 2022. Featuring comprehensive sessions discussing the opportunities and challenges currently facing the sector, this event will provide attendees with the chance to learn from their peers as we continue to develop and grow the industry together.
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National Energy Efficiency Conference 2022
25–26 May 2022. Pullman Melbourne on the Park. Join over 350 fellow leaders from business, government and the not-for-profit sector to debate and analyse the latest Australian and global thinking about energy efficiency, and to come together to network and celebrate our industry. Early bird tickets close 6 February 2022.
February
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We're delighted to see our students and colleagues returning to campus this week. We're looking forward to building our networks and collaborations and having more face-to-face interactions, and we've got some great knowledge sharing forums with our partners coming up.
It's a fascinating time in the energy space in Australia as it seems the decarbonisation of the electricity sector is gaining momentum, with Origin announcing they are closing Australia's largest coal-fired power station earlier than planned, and Mike Cannon-Brookes making a bid for AGL.
News
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First EV 'living lab' in the southern hemisphere
RMIT, Monash and La Trobe Universities received funding to investigate the impact of the transport sector on our climate. “Electrifying Victoria’s Future Fleet: Barriers and Opportunities” is a joint effort between the universities and leading industry players.
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Home ventilation, climate change and renewables
Air quality is a growing concern for Australian households, and the gap between energy advice and health advice leaves many people confused. With Dr Larissa Nichols from the Emerging Technologies Research Lab.
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Australia's abundance of energy critical elements
Australia is abundant in many of the minerals and rare earth elements our society will run on in the future, including lithium, cobalt and copper. If government and industry pivot from coal to green energy, Australian jobs in energy and the minerals industry can thrive.
Events
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Just Transitions in Australia: a three part webinar series
3,10,17 March 2022. This webinar series will present an overview of the Just Transitions in Australia report which aggregates new and existing research to examine actual, possible, partial and failed, examples of ‘just transitions’ across multiple sectoral and societal domains (work, energy and industry, mobility, home, technologies).
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Film launch: Smart Homes for Seniors
5–8 pm 24 March 2022. Gandel Digital Future Lab 1, ACMI. Launch of Smart Homes for Seniors. Directed by design anthropologist Professor Sarah Pink, the film follows Australian seniors as they learned to live with digital voice assistants, smart lights, and robotic vacuum cleaners during COVID-19.
In the media
The Defrag | Solar Shutdown: Featuring Professor Ariel Liebman
Solar is the cheapest form of energy production in history. So why would an energy network need to turn some of this generation off?
On WA providing authority to turn off household solar: comments by Professor Ariel Liebman
Renew Economy | Energy Source and Distribution News
Australia’s largest coal-fired power station to shut by 2025: comments by Professor Ariel Liebman
Canberra TimesA spoonful of sugar is the key to a brighter climate | Ticker Climate Episode 19 featuring Mainak Majumder
Ticker Climate | YouTube
The way we use air conditioning is changing, and it’s time we talked about it: comments by Associate Professor Yolande Strengers
ABC News
March
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Congratulations to Dr Hsin-Hui Shen (Research Fellow, Department of Materials Science and Engineering) and Dr Mahdokht Shaibani (Research Fellow, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering) who have each been awarded an $11,000 Advancing Women's Success grant from Monash University.
This month we've seen petrol prices rise related to the conflict in Ukraine, driving price volatility in the energy market. These high energy prices are highlighting the importance of transitioning to renewable energy.
While in the midst of the crisis the Ukrainian grid has been synchronised with the EU grid. And closer to home there's an interesting development in Australia's carbon certificate market.
News
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New technology for better lithium batteries
Monash researchers have created a lithium-sulfur battery interlayer that promotes exceptionally fast lithium transfer, also improving the performance and lifetime of the batteries. Research lead Professor Matthew Hill.
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Unlocking Melbourne’s solar potential
Monash researchers have received further coverage for showing the City of Melbourne could provide 74 per cent of its own electricity needs by fully integrating solar power. With Professor Jacek Jasieniak and Dr Jenny Zhou.
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‘Green’ vs ‘blue’ hydrogen, and the futility of ‘colours’
All hydrogen colour options have a role to play in decarbonising our energy systems, and we should stop focusing on colour-coding production methods. By Professor Paul Webley.
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A/Prof Chris Greening Awarded 2022 Fenner Medal
Associate Professor Chris Greening from Monash’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute has been awarded the prestigious Fenner Medal by the Australian Academy of Science.
Events
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Just Transitions in Australia
Part three: 4 May 2022. The Just Transitions in Australia report aggregates new and existing research to examine actual, possible, partial and failed, examples of ‘just transitions’ across multiple sectoral and societal domains (work, energy and industry, mobility, home, technologies).
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Large-Scale Solar Forum 2022
19 May 2022. Featuring comprehensive sessions discussing the opportunities and challenges currently facing the sector, this event will provide attendees with the chance to learn from their peers as we continue to develop and grow the industry together.
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National Energy Efficiency Conference 2022
25–26 May 2022. Monash is a member, early bird registration ends 31 March. Pullman Melbourne on the Park. Join over 350 fellow leaders from business, government and the not-for-profit sector to debate and analyse the latest Australian and global thinking about energy efficiency, and to come together to network and celebrate our industry.
In the media
Cheaper, cleaner, faster lithium batteries
Research lead Professor Matthew Hill spoke to the Australian Financial Review and Renew Economy.
Tax Incentive Applications in Transition to Electric Vehicles and EV Fleets: Comparing Australia, Europe, Canada & USA
Dr Diane Kraal presented at the 4th Annual University of Houston Law Center. Denney L. Wright International Energy Tax Conference & 22nd Annual Houston Business and Tax Law Journal Symposium. Friday, March 25, 2022.
There Has Been Plenty of Rain, Do We Need a Water Tax?
Article by Dr Diane Kraal
Our central question was ‘can taxes be used as tools to facilitate the addressing of water scarcity, quality and sustainability?’
April/May
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The recent Australian federal budget had notable silence on one significant aspect – the transition to renewable energy. Read about the setback for renewable energy goals in the 2022 budget by Professor Ariel Liebman, and about the fossil fuel excise cut and the lack of transition to zero-emission cars by Dr Diane Kraal.
Monash Energy is excited to partner with RACE for 2030 to deliver The Green Wave: Adding value through net zero energy strategies report. Find out more about how you can enhance your net zero plan and add value to your organisation. Read the report here.
Research at the Monash Energy Institute covers the large-scale energy transition all the way down to quantum physics. Monash University-led research team at FLEET has discovered a structure comprising of an ultra-thin topological insulator sandwiched between two 2D ferromagnetic insulators, leading the way to ultra-low energy electronics in the future.
News
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2022 Zema Energy Studies Scholarship recipients
Congratulations to Saeede Nazari Goldar and Harriet Mason, who have been awarded the 2022 Zema Energy Studies Scholarship. Generously supported by Monash Energy and AEMO.
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How IT is ready to save the planet
Australia has all the components needed to completely decarbonise the local energy sector and is already leading the way in many elements of the energy transition, says Director of the Monash Energy Institute Professor Ariel Liebman.
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On the grid: Australian Electricity in Transition
Out on 1 July 2022. The institutions governing Australia’s electricity market are failing to adjust rapidly enough to the new energy mix and to the demands on the power system. This volume lays out a vast program of policy formulation to navigate through this challenging period. Edited by A/Prof Guillaume Roger.
Events
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AI for good showcase
9 June 2022. This showcase will feature major projects, including our collaborations with industry, government and not-for-profit partners, that reflect Monash University's expertise in advancing AI and data science to tackle problems of critical importance to human well-being and preservation of the global environment.
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State Energy Summit Victoria
22 June 2022. This summit provides a detailed look at the opportunities for Smart Energy in Victoria and includes Ministers as keynote speakers, a focus on plans to escalate the uptake of household, commercial and large-scale solar storage plans, and renewable hydrogen and ammonia plans.
In the media
It’s astounding Australia has no policy framework to drive urgent clean energy transition
Amongst all the cost-of-living reliefs, fuel concessions, and benefits to home buyers that were delivered in last week’s federal budget, there was notable silence on one significant aspect, transition to renewable energy. By Professor Ariel Liebman.
[Budget Forum 2022] Why Not Repeal the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax and Levy a Royalty for Offshore Gas? By Dr Diane Kraal
Listen to the ABC Radio National interview | Read the Aus Tax Policy article
June
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News
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Next steps on energy policy for 31st Prime Minister
Climate change has clearly been a major pivot point in the recent federal election and has been on the minds of voters for some time. By Ariel Liebman and Dr Roger Dargaville.
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5 policy decisions that led to today’s energy crisis
We arrived here thanks to a series of policy decisions under previous governments — state and federal — that left Australia’s energy system ill-equipped to cope with the demands placed on it. By Dr Roger Dargaville.
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Stimulating a ‘green wave’ to a net zero future
Monash University is blazing a sustainable trail for a newly launched report as a world leading case study for institutions and organisations looking to implement a net zero transition strategy.
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Australia's rich deposits of critical minerals
As the transition to clean energy accelerates, we’ll need huge quantities of critical minerals. Australia has the world’s largest supply of nickel, rutile, tantalum and zircon. By A/Prof Mohan Yellishetty.
Events
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CEC Women in Renewables Luncheon
Sydney, 19 July 2022. Leading experts discussing the clean energy transition and gender equity's role. Also launching the 2nd round of the Chloe Munro Scholarship for Transformational Leadership.
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Australian Clean Energy Summit 2022
19-20 July 2022. A Clean Energy Council event featuring world-class keynotes and important networking opportunities, including the clean energy industry's Australian Clean Energy Summit Gala Dinner.
In the media
AGL abandoning demerger plans, featuring Professor Ariel Liebman
Professor Liebman said it’s important for the government and energy companies to work with communities to ensure good societal outcomes.
Australian Financial Review | Tasmanian Times | Motley Fool | ecogeneration
Power uncertainty, featuring Professor Ariel Liebman
Money News | Australian Manufacturing | 7News | Beef Central
Gas crisis, featuring Professor Ariel Liebman
ABC News | Western Magazine | Crikey. | 2SR | Daily Mail | Cosmos Magazine | SBS | Australian Associated Press | Canberra Times
"Is our current electricity market fit-for-purpose in a high renewable penetration world?"
Monash Energy Club's Linus Mayes questioned the Q+A panellists on the Energy Crisis edition. Skip to 13:00 to hear Australian Energy Council's Sarah McNamara and newly elected Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Bowen, respond to Linus' question.
Australia's mineral richesAssociate Professor Mohan Yellishetty, from the Faculty of Engineering, spoke to Australian Mining (pages 52-53) and Australian Resources and Investment (pages 40-41) about Australia's opportunities in the critical minerals sector.
Lithium batteries can supercharge the economy
Dr Mahdokht Shaibani from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, spoke to COSMOS about the future of lithium-ion batteries. Dr Shaibani explained how the technology could fuel Australia's economy if we did more than export raw minerals.
ABC Radio, NT Country Hour, ‘As gas prices soar on the east coast, there's a growing call to reform the way resource companies are taxed’.
Dr Diane Kraal was interviewed by Dan Fitzgerald (starts at 1:22)
July
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Amid intense national public debate over Australia’s ongoing lack of electric vehicles (EVs), Monash Energy Institute researcher Dr Diane Kraal joined Griffith University’s Dr Anna Mortimore in Canberra to present their policy recommendations to representatives from the ATO and the Treasury. Read more and see the full report here.
With more Australians considering EVs, there’s a spotlight on batteries, as manufacturers race for better, lighter, range-extending power sources. Read the article by Dr Behrooz Bahrani and David Klink.
Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) will receive $45M in funding from ARENA to extend operations of their cutting edge solar photovoltaic research to 2030. Congratulations to Prof Jacek Jasieniak and Prof Udo Bach.
Announcing the Digital Energy Blog by the Monash eResearch Centre – stories of research data, projects & partnerships at the intersection of energy, digital & society.
ARENA has announced $495,000 in funding to the Grid Innovation Hub at the Monash Energy Institute, to conduct a desktop study exploring the integration of storage into energy markets. Congratulations to A/Prof Guillaume Roger.
News
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Reasons to feel optimistic about our future
In the face of unprecedented challenges, experts describe how we can rally to protect future generations from extinction. With Prof Ariel Liebman and Prof Diego Ramírez-Lovering.
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ARC Hub for Carbon Utilisation and Recycling
The Australian Research Council (ARC) announced that Monash University will receive $5M funding to lead a new Research Hub developing technologies to transform carbon dioxide emissions into products. Led by Prof Paul Webley.
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Electric buses coming to Clayton as a living lab
Monash Energy Institute is working with bus company CDC to trial and assess electric bus operations. The trial features a route from Huntingdale train station to the Monash Clayton campus.
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'Energy poverty’ risk looms
Amid market deregulation, rising prices and global events, a recent cold snap was all it took to leave Australia’s energy supply teetering. With Dr Mita Bhattacharya.
Events
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ARENA Insights Webinar Grid-forming inverters
9 August 2022. Sharing insights from our grid-forming inverter projects and host a panel discussion with guest speakers from AEMO, Tesla, Edify, TransGrid and Monash University's Dr Behrooz Bahrani.
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How to make smart decisions in offshore wind supply chains
11 August 2022. In this in-person Monash Energy Seminar, Dr Shuya Zhong will talk about offshore wind energy and the strategic and operational decision problems in offshore wind supply chains
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CEC Energy storage forum
Adelaide, 13 September 2022. Australia’s leading technical event for the battery storage industry, incorporating both small- and utility-scale battery storage, and professional development and networking opportunities.
In the media
Help needed for sustainable living transitions
Dr Emi Gui, from the Climateworks Centre, told ABC News the rising cost of living would make it hard for people with "less purchasing power" to invest in clean energy. She said while inflation may force changes in the short term, government support is needed to make more long-term transitions.
Shell halts production on floating gas platform Prelude amid worsening dispute
Professor Ariel Liebman, from the Monash Energy Institute, told ABC News Radio the temporary closure of Shell's natural gas plant, off the West Australian coast, could push up gas prices in global markets.
ABC reports on RACE2030's report on electric vehicle tax breaks and Dr Diane Kraal interviewed by James Purtill, ABC NewsMonash's Dr Diane Kraal told ABC News Online electric vehicles are still too expensive for business fleets, despite the federal government's recently implemented tax reforms.
Opportunities
New energy technologies with DELWP
Applications close Friday 12 August 2022. A funding opportunity for deliverance of a broad range of renewable energy and energy efficiency feasibility studies, business cases and implementation-ready capital works projects.
2022 Chloe Munro Scholarship for Transformational Leadership
Applications close 21 August 2022. In recognition of the legacy of the late Chloe Munro AO, the Clean Energy Council, Monash and other organisations have established the Chloe Munro Scholarship for Transformational Leadership. Applications for a scholarship for either the Leading Edge or the Executive Ready course are welcome.
August
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Researchers from the Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Emerging Technologies Research Lab and Royal Holloway University have published a new report titled: Just Transitions in Australia: moving towards low carbon lives across policy, industry and practice. This study explores equitable net zero transitions.
A new study from FLEET led by researchers from Monash University looks at a methodology to improve the optoelectronic device performance and extend the functionalities of 2D perovskite.
A reminder that applications for the Zema Energy Studies Scholarship close on 31 October 2022. Find out more and apply here.
News
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Welcoming Professor David Hill to Monash
We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Professor David Hill, a pre-eminent Australian researcher in the field of power and energy with a distinguished forty-year global academic career.
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Enabling our transition to a low-carbon future
A report by MSDI and the Emerging Technologies Research Lab outlines how Australia can move equitably towards zero carbon emissions by overcoming socioeconomic, location, scale and technological challenges.
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The clean economy: Solving the energy equation
Energy is a key contributor to the Australian economy. As the population and wealth grows, the demand for energy is ever-increasing. Featuring A/Prof Anke Leroux and A/Prof Guillaume Roger.
Events
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Net Zero Urban Futures: hype, hope or reality?
12 September 2022. This panel includes researchers and partners from the Net Zero Precincts Linkage project discussing how different net zero framings are shaping future cities and how people, politics and place can be better accounted for.
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Analysis and comparison of energy crises
14 September 2022. Prof Frank Wolak will draw parallels between the February 2021 Texas energy crisis and the recent Australian energy market events, sharing what can be learned from both situations.
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AUPEC 2022
26-28 September 2022. The Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference has been involved in every stage of the grid transformation. 2022's theme is “Towards 100% Renewable Power and Electrified Transportation Systems”.
In the media
New Renewable Energy Plans For Australia's Coastline
Professor Ariel Liebman spoke to Ten News about the federal government’s announcement of six new offshore wind energy projects. Professor Liebman said this is the right trajectory for the transition to renewable energy.
ACCC on gas shortfall
Professor Ariel Liebman spoke to ABC Radio National’s PM and The New Daily about the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s gas supply inquiry interim report projecting the largest supply shortfall of domestic gas since 2017.
Greens want Vic coal plants' early closure
Featuring comments from Professor Ariel Liebman
Scone Advocate | The West
If Labor is serious about electric vehicles, fixing the fringe-benefits tax is the next step
Dr Diane Kraal is cited by Michael Pascoe in The New Daily
Dr Diane Kraal's radio interviews on EVs and vehicle emissions
ABC Radio PM | The Wire | 6PR Radio Perth | Ultra106fiveFM
Opportunities
Zema Energy Studies Scholarship
Applications close 31 October 2022. A PhD program aimed at energy students across engineering, IT and business and economics.The scholarship provides a $35,000 per annum stipend and will support the successful applicant for the approved duration of their PhD candidature, to a maximum of three-and-a-half years.
Previous years
2021
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November/December 2021
Last week, Monash Energy Institute hosted the 2021 State of Energy Research Conference (SoERC2021) featuring over 50 researchers and industry speakers from the energy community.
We are honoured that so many researchers, both early career and experienced, shared their research during SoERC2021. The community of researchers and their industry partners that gathered represent hope and dedication to the most urgent and critical challenge facing humanity to date; anthropogenic climate change. Read the full Chair's Foreword here.
Thank you to all the speakers and attendees that devoted their time to this conference. Recordings of the keynote speeches are now available on the ERICA YouTube channel.
October 2021
Monash University has been sending delegations to the annual UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs) since 2016. See how Monash is participating in CoP26.
The State of Energy Research Conference 2021 registrations are now open, and now accepting poster submissions – see the great lineup of speakers with more on the way. Find out more and get your ticket.
A RACE for 2030 Opportunity Assessment report for E3: Developing the Future Energy Workforce, has been published, with Dirk Visser from Monash Sustainability Development Institute leading this work from Monash’s end, working closely with Energy Efficiency Council and University of Technology Sydney.
September 2021
See the visualisation of the Monash University Clayton Campus Woodside Living Lab Building during the Earthquake by Associate Professor Colin Caprani, with data and code available online.
Applications for the generous Zema Energy Studies Scholarship are closing at the end of October, available to domestic students in the energy space.
Led by Prof Mainak Majumder, researchers have found the key to stabilising new lithium-sulfur battery technology by using a glucose-based additive. With Yingyi Huang, Dr Mahdokht Shaibani and Prof Matthew Hill.
Webinar and article that covers fighting back against climate misinformation and the IPCC report
August 2021
In this issue, we highlight the results of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report.
We promoted our Net Zero Initiative which released the Microgrid Electricity Market Operator (MEMO) toolbox outlining the journey to developing a microgrid.
We celebrated the legacy of Chloe Munro AO, visionary pioneer of a clean energy future and Professorial Fellow at Monash, with The Chloe Munro Scholarship for Transformational Leadership.
July 2021
We welcomed Prof Paul Webley (Clean Fuels and Hydrogen theme leader) and Dr Mark Wallace (Smart Energy Systems theme leader) to the Monash Energy Institute leadership team.
We celebrated a successful project between the Monash Energy Institute’s Grid Innovation Hub, Worley and Palisade Energy Ltd using machine learning to predict wind and solar power for better integration into the grid.
We Congratulate Prof Mainak Majumder (Materials and Devices theme leader) for leading the new Advanced Manufacturing Hub with 2D materials (AM2D).
June 2021
Congratulating Professor Tony Marxsen who was recognised on the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his professional work and contributions to the community.
Congratulations to Professor Rebekah Brown, who has been appointed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Senior Vice-President and Professor Rob Hyndman (Head of the Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics), for being elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science We also celebrate Monash and ENGIE working on accelerating the Net Zero transition
Discover the Australian Energy Transition Research Plan to reach Net Zero emissions by the Australian Council of Learned Academies.
May 2021
In this issue, we investigated EV's and AI against the climate crisis with Monash Lens articles from our Director Professor Ariel Liebman and Deputy Director Dr Roger Dargaville. We showcased the Net Zero Momentum tracker on energy by ClimateWorks Australia. We welcomed Audrey Zibelman to the Monash Energy Institute community. And we discovered the 2020 Annual Reports from Woodside Monash Energy Partnership and the Centres of Excellence ARC Graphene Hub, FLEET, ACES and ACEX.
April 2021
Monash came in 3rd for Sustainable Cities and Communities and 8th for Affordable and Clean Energy in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings against the UN SDGs. We celebrated AI for sustainable transformation in smart cities, mobility and energy with A/Prof Ariel Liebman. We congratulate Dr Shirui Pan for being recognised as one of the five most influential scholars in the AI 2000 Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence Conference. And welcome to Mr Vincent Makota (new Zema Scholar) who will work to strengthen existing grid systems.
March 2021
In this issue, we showcased the Hydrogen Economic Fairways Tool. We introduced Lynne Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer at Energy Consumers Australia. We profile Dr Kari Dahlgren, a social anthropologist working on the Digital Energy Futures Project.
Congratulations to Dr Tanesh Gamot who won the best presentation at the Graphene Hub Workshop 2021 ”High-quality supercapacitor materials from sustainable sources and steps towards scaled production” and to Dr Sarah Goodwin for her new position as Director (Research) at Monash's Grid Innovation Hub.
February 2021
Monash Energy Institute lead the National EV-Grid interaction research project. Also, a big congratulations to all the women in STEMM and a particular congrats to Associate Professor Yolande Strengers (Associate Director, Theme Consumers, Monash Energy Institute) on being a finalist in the 2021 Women in AI Awards!
Congratulations to our students, particularly to Rabeeh Golmohammadzadeh and Brian Jong from Chemical Engineering, who have been selected as one of the student team winners of the IACE Hackathon.
January 2021
We start this year with highlighting what the Grid Innovation Hub PhD scholars are doing towards addressing challenges faced by our energy sector. We profiled Sajjad Hadavi, Milad Zarif Mansour, Si Phu Me, Abu Pengwah and Rakshitha Godahewa. We celebrated Prof Jack Jasieniak and the Next generation solar cells.
We promoted Uplift, a novel prototype system to support `casual collaborative visual analytics' for a campus microgrid. We are looking forward to working with our energy community in what is already shaping up to be an exciting year.
2020
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May - June 2020
We present our Energy Profile - a showcase of Monash's major energy programs. We congratulate Dr Julie Karel who is now a FLEET Chief Investigator, Dr Alexandr Simonov, Prof Douglas MacFarlane and team who published a Roadmapto the Ammonia Economy and Prof Huanting Wang for receiving an ARC Laureate Fellowship for his work in renewable energy and clean water.
We also promote the Digital Energy Futures Report by the Emerging Technologies Research Lab.
April - May 2020
We celebrated our 7th position in energy in the world impact rankings, highlight developments in solar research, and congratulate our student team for winning the Solar Decathlon Design Challenge.
This newsletter includes profiles of Professor Andrew Dyer, Dr Larissa Nicholls, Dr Christoph Bergmeir and Ms Rakshitha Godahewa. We also shared the 2019 Annual Reports from the ARC Graphene Hub, FLEET and ACEX.
March - April 2020
Monash University will play a major role in RACE2030 by leading the networks research program, one of the four research pillars of the CRC program.
Congratulations to A/Prof Akshat Tanksale for becoming an IChemE Fellow, Scott Ferraro for being appointed on the Board of the Energy Efficiency Council, Bridget Ryan for receiving the Monash 2020 Your Leadership Voice award, and Dr Chang Wei Tan for receiving the Mollie Holman Medal 2019. We also profiled Ali Meghdadi and Dr Semini Wijekoon.
February - March 2020
The 2019-2020 bushfire season in Australia has raised questions about fire management and impacts of fires on essential services; our researchers commented. Congratulations to Dr Mahdokht Shaibani, Prof Mainak Majumder and A/Prof Matthew Hill for developing the world’s most efficient lithium-sulphur battery.
We introduced Vanya Kumar, and profiled Dr Mahdokht Shaibani and Shalini Kandasamy.
2019
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December 2019
The Monash University's COP25 delegation led by Dr Diana Krall and Dr Susie Ho commented on their experience of the COP. We announced the launch of our new website, which was designed to reflect the vibrant, inclusive and impactful Monash Energy community.
We introduced Kane Thornton and profiled Dr Sarah Goodwin, A/Prof Akshat Tanksale and Colin Kang.
November 2019
In this newsletter, we provided a summary of the Monash Energy Conference. We announced the renaming of MEMSI to the Monash Energy Institute.
We celebrated the $5.45m partnership between GE Digital and Monash, congratulated Prof Huanting Wang and Prof Ranjith Pathegama Gamage elected as a Fellow to the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, and Prof Douglas MacFarlane appointed as a Sir John Monash Distinguished Professor.