Centre for Hybrid Energy Systems

What are 'hybrid energy systems'?

Hybrid energy systems combine two or more energy generation, storage or end-use technologies for overall benefits, compared with single source systems, such as lower costs and better reliability. Hybrid energy systems can maximise the value of local energy sources.

Configurations might include: renewable or non-renewable energy sources, electrical and chemical energy storage and generation via storage and fuel cells.

About the Centre for Hybrid Energy Systems (CHES)

CHES is a collaboration hub for researchers and industry in the hybrid energy space. At CHES, we work with industry to identify emerging energy conversion, generation and storage technologies, to meet specific end-user power requirements. The collaborative space can be used to share the benefits of emerging hybrid energy systems with Australian industry partners and government bodies.

CSIRO, through CHES, is a trusted advisor for industry for the safe adoption of new hybrid energy technologies. We test and certify energy storage batteries, electrolysers for hydrogen generation and fuel cells, to national and international standards. We develop hybrid energy systems under renewable energy and end-use load profiles, and showcase CSIRO-developed technologies that may be of interest to industry partners.

CHES is an ideal test environment to investigate cost, efficiency and emissions-related challenges and opportunities in the integration of renewable energies. We also provide education and advice to industry to aid decision making, and partner with industry on the development of future transport infrastructure.

A growing market

Hybrid energy systems can deliver improvements in energy performance, efficiency and reliability, and they can be more flexible to align with the needs of the user.

There is a growing international market for hybrid energy systems, especially with investment in energy storage and with renewables making a significant contribution to the energy mix.

CHES works closely with the Renewable Energy Integration Facility and Stored Energy Integration Facility at CSIRO's Energy Centre in Newcastle, where we do smart grid and grid storage research and development.

Capabilities

We can:

• do rapid prototyping of hybrid energy systems in different configurations
• perform environmental testing of battery storage under a range of conditions
• test and evaluate any electrolysis hydrogen generation system and fuel cell
• set up demonstration projects involving renewable energy systems, with variable load profiles for specific locations, and emerging energy conversion / storage technologies
• develop commercially-ready products in partnership with industry.