Media releases

Federation University Australia researchers will use their expertise in planning for the transition to new energy systems in a program that aims to help boost Australia’s economic ties with India.

Federation’s Centre for New Energy Transition Research (CfNETR) has been awarded a $380,000 grant from the Centre for Australia-India Relations to develop strategies for integrating electric vehicle (EV) technology into the national grid.

As part of the funding, Federation will be one of only five Australian universities to host a PhD student from the Maitri Scholars Program which supports high-achieving students from India undertaking postgraduate studies in Australian universities.

The scholarship program aims to deepen educational links and connect scholars and alumni with Australian businesses to support greater links between the two countries.

Power engineering researcher Najma Habeeb will begin her PhD at Federation in August as part of the scholarship and explore EV integration in power systems as a clean energy solution for the high-emitting transport sector.

The scholarship is timely as Federation prepares to open an EV lab at the Mt Helen campus later this year which will be a key component of research in coming years.

Federation’s application to participate in the program focused on the strategic charging of EV fleets and impact on energy distribution systems and distribution network service provider’s support. Research priorities for the Maitri program include clean energy technology, battery manufacturing, AI advanced manufacturing and hydrogen production.

A critical outcome of Federation’s research will be the creation of a framework that will give energy utilities a clearer indication of when large EV fleets should be charged and when they should not, as well as whether these large fleets can play a role in storing energy to support the grid.

Quotes attributable to Federation University Australia Centre for New Energy Transition Research Associate Professor Rakibuzzaman Shah

“With energy transition amid a changing environment, and Australia’s science and research priorities, the Federal Government wants more meaningful international collaborations to address these areas. The grant recognises CfNETR’s excellence in energy research in Australia and internationally.”

“The scholarship will allow PhD students to contribute to developing these technologies and create closer ties between Australian and Indian businesses so that they can flourish. It is about developing the technologies that both countries can benefit from.”

Quote attributable to Federation University Australia Maitri Scholar Najma Habeeb

“Electric Vehicles are the most essential means to zero-emission transport systems and a shift to electric cars, buses and trucks requires complicated planning. The research project aims to find a solution that will consider the price of electricity, power network limitations, available renewable energy, and customer preferences, and enable economic, network, environmentally and customer-friendly integration of electric vehicles into Australia and India's networks.”

“I am really excited to explore the Australian way of life and new and emerging research and industry practices in clean energy transition and EV integration.”