NSW grants for groundbreaking electrification projects
A share of more than $1m in grants are up for grabs in NSW for groundbreaking projects that are focused on reducing carbon emissions through electrification.
The Electrification and Energy Systems Network Seed Grant Scheme provides funding as part of the NSW Government’s Decarbonisation Innovation Hub.
The Hub supports researchers, industry and government stakeholders in critical sectors to increase the uptake of new technologies in decarbonising the State.
NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe says the projects must translate research-based technologies into real-life solutions for current and future energy challenges.
“Electrification of our energy system is essential to reaching our Net Zero targets and mitigating the impacts of climate change on our environment and health.
“It will also ensure our community benefits from cleaner and more affordable energy.”
Funding is being awarded to early-stage projects working to resolve the technical, economic, social and environmental challenges of electrification technology.
Grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 will enable collaborative projects between universities and industry.
NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub director electrification and energy systems Prof John Fletcher comments on this.
“I am delighted that we have reached this significant milestone in this early stage of the Electrification and Energy Systems Network,” he said.
“Our independent Industry Advisory Board worked hard to assess the 21 proposals and select the awardees.
“We now look forward to the awarded projects delivering their impact.”
The awardees are:
- University of Wollongong – Identifying and Removing Barriers for Electricity System Planning.
- University of New South Wales – Develop device electrification functionality for the APVI’s SunSPOT solar and battery calculator.
- University of Technology Sydney – Cost effective wireless energy harvesting from high voltage transmission lines.
- Macquarie University – Powering e-shuttles with optimised routes and magnetised cement charging.
- University of Sydney – Recycling of lithium from discarded battery materials.
- Macquarie University – AI-driven energy management platform.
- University of New South Wales – Open platform for real-time renewable energy bidding and trading.
This initiative is funded by the NSW Environmental Trust and Network Partners: University of Newcastle, University of New South Wales, University of Wollongong, University of Technology Sydney.