The Australian National University is looking for new ways to store renewable energy that can be integrated into the electricity grid.

A new $8 million partnership between the university and the ACT Government will pay for the new Battery Storage and Integration Research Program.

The ANU’s existing Energy Change Institute (ECI) comprises more than 200 staff and PhD students from all seven ANU colleges, and is supported with more than $100 million in infrastructure and facilities.

ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt AC said the University would support the program with $3 million in cash and in-kind contributions, including $2 million for new laboratory infrastructure to support battery storage and integration research.

“The ACT is one of the world's leading jurisdictions and the leader in Australia when it comes to renewable energy policy, as exemplified by the innovative wind and solar reverse auctions,” he said.

Professor Ken Baldwin, Director of the ANU Energy Change Institute, welcomed the announcement.

“As the proportion of renewables in the grid grows, battery storage and its integration are becoming increasingly important to address intermittency in renewable energy supply,” Professor Baldwin said.

“The Government's funding will generate enormous economic benefits for the ACT. It will enhance local industry capability and competitiveness, attracting innovative energy companies to the ACT and building the ACT's reputation as a global leader in renewable energy and storage.”

The ACT Government funded the Battery Storage and Integration Research Program through its Renewable Energy Innovation Fund.