Madeleine’s research examines how electricity systems behave as they transition to high shares of renewable energy. Traditionally, grid stability has been maintained by large synchronous generators, whose rotating mass provides an inherent response to disturbances. As these generators are displaced by inverter-based technologies, system dynamics are changing in ways that remain only partially understood, raising questions about how grids will perform under stress.

In response, solutions such as synchronous condensers have been proposed, increasing the projected cost of the energy transition. This has become a dominant framing of the challenge in Australia. However, latest evidence suggests that existing system resources, including inverter-based technologies such as batteries, provide more stability support than is currently recognised, challenging the assumption that additional infrastructure is required.

Madeleine’s work aims to improve understanding of power system inertia in modern electricity grids, ensuring that decisions around system design and investment are informed by a more accurate representation of system behaviour under high renewable penetration.