Centre for New Energy Transition Research
The Centre for New Energy Transition Research (CfNETR) – part of the Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability – brings together multidisciplinary teams across Gippsland and Mt Helen to respond to the need for research, training and skills development in low-carbon technologies, particularly in regional and remote communities where energy systems are rapidly evolving.
CfNETR was established in 2022, with $2.43 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Regional Research Collaboration Program. The Centre's researchers work closely with community, government and industry partners to develop solutions across energy generation, transmission, storage and management. The aim? To advance Net Zero Carbon targets for 2050 and support the transition to a 100% renewable-powered economy.
CfNETR in action
Research streams
Smart control of energy storage and microgrids
Grid integration of renewable energies
Power electronic converters
Electrical vehicles planning and operation
Virtual power plant operation and control
Energy management in smart buildings
Demand management for ancillary service
Smart grid security
Resiliency in the power network
Prosumer market model
V2G and V2H – control and impact assessment
Optimisation of energy system
Social license to clean energy project
Production of low-emission fuel
Combine heat and power
Hydrogen technology for power and transportation system
Low-cost storage technology
Bioenergy and energy from waste
Technical and economical analysis in energy and transport system
Water and energy nexus for low-carbon society
Built environment – minimising environmental impact
Human behavioural study
Impacts of climate change on extreme weather events on energy and water
Zero-emission in transportation
Research team
Professor Jiefeng ‘Jerry’ Hu, Research Leader, Microgrids and Renewables
Associate Professor Surbhi Sharma, Research Leader, Future Fuel and Hydrogen Economy
Associate Professor Rakibuzzaman Shah, Research Leader, Future Grid and Community Energy
Associate Professor Savin Chand, Research Leader, Net Zero Initiatives
Projects and awards
- Enhanced System Planning Victoria (ESP-V) project, funded by Centre for New Energy Technologies (C4NET) ($640,000)
- Develop strategies for integrating electric vehicle (EV) technology into the national grid, funded by Centre for Australia-India Relations ($380,000)
- Explore potential for the water sector in the energy market (case study)
- Overcoming hydrogen's burning issues (case study)
- 2025: CSIRO's International Hydrogen Research Fellowship Program, Associate Professor Surbhi Sharma
- 2022: Vice Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence, Associate Professor Savin Chand
Research labs
- Electric vehicle (EV), Mt Helen Campus
- Hydrogen, Gippsland Campus
- Simulation, Mt Helen Campus
Engage with us
We're keen to hear from:
- HDR candidates looking for supervision
- external researchers who would like to collaborate
- organisations seeking consultancy services, commissioned research and evaluation, collaborative research partnerships or workforce training in new energy.
Contact us
If you have any questions about CfNETR or you'd like to discuss engagement opportunities, please email n.amjady@federation.edu.au.