CSIRO unveils $3M upgrade to flagship renewable energy lab

THE CSIRO has officially launched the $3 million upgrade of the Renewable Energy Integration Facility (REIF) at its Energy Centre in Newcastle.

The national science agency says the upgrade will significantly expand Australia’s capability to test, validate and commercialise technologies needed for a more sustainable, reliable and secure electricity system.

The expanded facility includes a suite of advanced capabilities, including the ability to simulate microgrids and grid faults, test inverter performance under real-world conditions and run large-scale experiments combining solar, batteries and electric vehicles.

One of its standout demonstrations is vehicle-to-grid technology, which uses electric vehicles as flexible batteries to store excess solar energy and return power to the grid during peak periods.

CSIRO’s Chief Executive, Dr Doug Hilton, said the new facility provides a powerful national capability at a time of rapid change in our electricity system.

“The Renewable Energy Integration Facility provides industry, researchers and system operators with an independent laboratory to test how technologies such as wind, solar, batteries and electric vehicles can integrate safely and reliably into the grid,” Dr Hilton said.

“As Australia transitions to a cleaner, more electrified economy, we need the confidence that new energy technologies can operate safely and reliably across the system. This upgraded facility strengthens Australia’s capability to test exactly that.

“The facility will support more efficient use of electrical infrastructure, ultimately helping improve energy affordability for Australian homes and businesses.”

CSIRO Energy Systems Research Program Director Dr John Ward said the new laboratory will help Australia tackle both local and global challenges in the energy transition.

“The Renewable Energy Integration Facility allows us to simulate and stress‑test real‑world grid conditions, giving us deeper insight into how inverter‑based technologies like solar and batteries perform as their share grows across the electricity system,” Dr Ward said.

“Australia faces unique challenges – from long, remote distribution networks and record levels of rooftop solar, to increasingly volatile weather and rising demand from energy-intensive data centres.

“This facility allows us to work side‑by‑side with industry and market bodies to design innovative solutions.

“The facility also supports Australian innovation and manufacturing by providing a rigorous, independent environment to evaluate new technologies before they reach market,” he said.

The facility is open to external industry and research organisations for collaboration and commercialisation projects that help address energy sector challenges.
Expressions of interest should be directed to EnergyEOI@csiro.au.

Australian start-ups and small to medium enterprises are encouraged to explore support through CSIRO’s Kick‑Start Program.

The Renewable Energy Integration Facility upgrade was made possible with funding from the Department of Education’s Trailblazer Universities Program.