Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) is supporting a new grid stability research project by Newcastle-born and operating energy software company, SwitchDin, to help Australia’s renewable energy transition. The project will take place at a new Renewable Energy Integration Laboratory located at the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan Campus.
The TRaCE research project, led by University of Newcastle researcher Dr. Colin Coates, aims to better equip the Australian power network to manage critical grid events and energy affordability. This is a critical need as Australia expands beyond large, centralised coal and gas fired power stations and towards smaller-scale Customer Energy Resources (CER) such as household solar PV and battery storage.
Potential solutions being developed and tested include a control algorithm to enable disparate CERs to collectively deliver Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS), which is essential for maintaining grid stability by balancing electricity supply and demand in real time.
SwitchDin CEO, Mario Vecchio, says the establishment of a new Renewable Energy Integration Laboratory at Callaghan Campus and its cutting-edge research program reaffirm SwitchDin’s commitment to the Hunter and the region’s position as an energy technology hub.
“A quarter of our staff are University of Newcastle alumni and we started in this region. We’re sticking to our roots as we’ve found the ecosystem of support and resources available here, including TRaCE and the University of Newcastle, are top class for energy projects like ours,” Vecchio said.
SwitchDin is the 11th industry partner to receive a TRaCE R&D Voucher, providing co-funding and support for research projects. TRaCE is an Australian Government-funded program delivered by the University of Newcastle and UNSW Sydney that aims to quickly move clean energy and recycling solutions into Australian manufacturing.
Accelerate and de-risk early-stage R&D
The TRaCE R&D Voucher program offers SMEs and scale-ups the opportunity to de-risk research and development. This initiative is designed to support feasibility validation and proof of concept for innovative recycling and clean energy technologies.
By participating in the TRaCE R&D Voucher program, industry partners can leverage the combined resources, infrastructure, equipment, and expertise available at UNSW and the University of Newcastle to accelerate and de-risk their early-stage R&D.
Learn what an R&D Voucher can do for you here.
