Located in Victoria, Australia, the centre will be a hub for researchers and industry to identify, improve and then tailor energy technologies to meet specific requirements.

Combining two or more forms of energy generation, storage or end-use technologies, hybrid systems deliver overall cost and efficiency benefits, compared with single source energy systems. Configurations include renewable or non-renewable energy sources, electrical and chemical energy storage and fuel cells, often connected via a smart grid.

CSIRO said the collaborative space will be used to share the benefits of emerging hybrid energy systems with industry (including mining) and government to maximise the value of local energy sources.

CSIRO Fellow Dr Sukhvinder Badwal said there was a rapidly growing global demand for hybrid energy systems based on increased availability of renewable and modular power generation and storage technologies such as batteries, fuel cells, and household solar.

"These technologies are becoming cost competitive, but the key to greater use is to combine them in connected hybrid systems,” he said.
"By doing this, we can offer substantial improvements in performance, reliability of power, flexibility and cost."

Delta Energy Systems Australia, which is a partner for the Centre for Hybrid Energy Systems, is set to embark on a range of collaborative research projects with CSIRO in this field.

"The opening of the Centre for Hybrid Energy Systems will expand research in this area and marks a significant milestone to ensure the success of any industry cooperation," said Allen Chao, director for  Delta Energy Systems Australia.

The Centre for Hybrid Energy Systems will also provide education, testing and certification services for emerging storage batteries, hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.