UNSW Sydney, in collaboration with the department-funded Trailblazer for Clean Energy and Recycling (TRaCE) and Dubbo Regional Council, are launching a real-world trial of a next-generation hybrid energy management system (EMS) in a Dubbo Regional Council building.
This breakthrough project aims to revolutionise how buildings manage energy to improve efficiency and sustainability while reducing costs. It is also a major step in bringing university innovation to the region, demonstrating how university research can directly support regional communities.
With buildings responsible for 40% of global energy consumption and a third of greenhouse gas emissions, the EMS will tackle inefficiencies by integrating rooftop solar, battery storage, EV chargers and grid power. The system, developed by UNSW experts including Professor Deo Prasad, Associate Professor Lan Ding, and Dr Huadong Mo, will leverage predictive analytics and smart automation to optimise energy use in real-time.
By combining our expertise at UNSW with the commitment of Dubbo Regional Council and the support of TRaCE, we are developing a solution that will not only enhance energy efficiency but also pave the way for sustainable energy management in buildings across Australia, said Professor Prasad.
This project is a major step towards decarbonising the building sector in Australia. By developing a scalable, market-ready solution, the initiative will contribute to achieving national net-zero targets while improving energy efficiency in buildings. The successful implementation of this system at Dubbo Regional Council will set the stage for widespread adoption across commercial, public, and residential buildings.
TRaCE, through its Lab to Market Fund, will support this project by providing essential funding, project management expertise, and access to a network of industry experts and facilities. By leveraging TRaCE’s ecosystem, the project team will be able to refine their solution, navigate commercialisation challenges, and position their next-generation hybrid EMS for broader adoption in the building sector.
The Australian Government has invested $370.3 million over four years through the Trailblazer Universities Program. Six Australian universities have received $50 million in funding which has been matched by university and industry partner contributions. The total funding includes $45 million for participating universities to partner with Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), which will provide them with access to specialist equipment and expertise to support the delivery of their projects.
To find out more about the program, visit Trailblazer Universities Program.