Protected: Empowering NSW’s Sustainable Energy Future: EESN Seed Grant Scheme Winners Announced

Empowering NSW’s Sustainable Energy Future: EESN Seed Grant Scheme Winners Announced

20 November 2024

The Electrification and Energy Systems Network (EESN) is excited to announce the awarding of over $1M in grants to support groundbreaking projects focused on reducing carbon emissions through electrification as part of the NSW Government initiative, the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub.

“I am so pleased to announce the awardees of this first round of the “EESN” funded projects. The projects aim is to translate research-based technologies into real-life solutions to today and tomorrow’s challenges in the community. The outcomes will help build an agile and technology-focused community developing the solutions necessary to reach our net-zero ambitions”
–  Hon. Penny Sharpe, NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

The EESN Seed Grant Scheme provides crucial funding for projects focusing on technology innovation, development, and impact. These grants, ranging from $50,000 to $200,000, enable collaborative projects between universities and industry by providing essential funding for early-stage innovations.

The evaluation process, conducted independently by an Industry Advisory Board, has rigorously assessed and identified a selection of high-quality, impactful projects deserving of grant awards.

“I am delighted that we have reached this significant milestone in this early stage of the “EESN”. Our independent Industry Advisory Board worked hard to assess the 21 proposals and select the awardees. We now look forward to the awarded projects delivering their impact.”
– Prof. John Fletcher, Director Electrification & Energy Systems, NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub

Over 18 months, the selected projects will work towards translating electrification and energy systems technologies and innovations, and address regulatory, policy, community transition, and economic barriers to decarbonisation, leading to significant economic impact and capacity building across NSW.

This initiative is generously funded by the Environmental Trust and our Network Partners; University of Newcastle, University of New South Wales, University of Wollongong, University of Technology Sydney and the NSW Dept of Primary Industries.

See below for further details on awarded projects.

Updates on these projects and other initiatives will be available on our website: decarbhub.au

Congratulations to the following awardees:

University of Wollongong
Identifying and Removing Barriers For Electricity System Planning
Led by Sean Elphick

University of New South Wales
Develop device electrification functionality for the APVI’s SunSPOT solar and battery calculator
Led by Dr. Mike Roberts

Macquarie University
Powering E-Shuttles with Optimized Routes and Magnetised Cement Charging
Led by Dr Sara Deilam

University of Sydney
Recycling of Lithium from Discarded Battery Materials
Led by Prof. Andrew Harris

University of New South Wales
Open Platform for Real-time Renewable Energy Bidding and Trading
Led by A/Prof Yulei Sui

Macquarie University
AI-driven energy management platform
Led by Dr Foad Taghizadeh

University of Technology Sydney
Cost effective wireless energy harvesting from high voltage transmission lines
Led by Dr Michael Behrens

*Please note: These awards are subject to the satisfactory conclusion of commercial agreements.

About the Organisations:

EESN
The Electrification and Energy Systems Network (EESN) is dedicated to advancing electrification technologies and solutions, enhancing energy efficiency, and supporting the NSW transition to sustainable energy systems across industry, government and community.

NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub (NDIH)
NDIH is a NSW Government initiative working across multiple innovation networks, including Land and Primary Industries, Electrification and Energy Systems, and Powerfuels including Hydrogen, to support the development and commercialisation of technologies needed for NSW to achieve its decarbonisation goals and net zero emissions targets, and create economic opportunity and investment for NSW.

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW)
NSW DCCEEW leads the state’s policies and programs to manage and reduce carbon emissions, ensuring a sustainable future and driving NSW’s net-zero target.

Environmental Trust
The Environmental Trust provides funding and support for projects that protect the environment, promote sustainable practices, and encourage innovation to achieve long-term environmental benefits for the community.

For enquiries, please contact: eesn@decarbhub.au