The centre in Melbourne will combine digital energy technology from Siemens and the technical, R&D and teaching expertise of Swinburne. It will enable developers to use digital twins of energy grids, map scenarios, research new findings, develop original and creative hypotheses, and test results. It will be home to a digital twin of Australia’s energy grid that commercial research teams can use to run simulations of designs.
In addition to microgrid and planning stations, the Hub will also host a Siemens’ microgrid management system (MGMS) with decentralized energy optimization platform (DEOP) software. The microgrid technologies include Sicam A8000 and Siprotec 5 devices for control and protection.
When fully operational by the end of the year, the Hub will also offer researchers and industry the opportunity to work future energy systems using the Siemens Xcelerator platform.
“The Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub will be working on new technologies to improve energy efficiency, supply, integration, storage, transport and use, as well as how we can improve existing technologies and frameworks. We need change fast, and the Siemens-Swinburne team will focus on taking ideas to market – where they can make the most impact as quickly as possible,” said Professor Karen Hapgood, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research at Swinburne.
Peter Halliday, CEO and Chairman, Siemens Australia and New Zealand, said, “Our relationship with Swinburne University of Technology is long-standing and we’re proud to extend it through the new Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub. Collaboration between industry and academia is critical to driving better outcomes on key topics of national importance such as the energy transition. Digitalization allows you to do more with less as technology assists you in identifying the opportunities for reducing energy consumption and emissions whilst acceleration the journey to net zero.”
Jose Moreira, Country Business Unit head – Grid Software, Siemens Australia and New Zealand, added: “Tackling the speed and change in the energy landscape to create solutions that help achieve net zero requires a collaborative and co-creative approach. Siemens has a strong history of working with universities to empower the next generation of workforce on energy systems of the future. We’re proud to present the Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub not just to students but to industry as well. The Hub features some of the latest and best technology used by organizations across the world and will hopefully spark new Australian innovations for future energy challenges.”
