The Australian Energy Research Institute (AERI) at the University of New South Wales has appointed George Maltabarow – an energy specialist who previously headed up Ausgrid, Australia’s largest electricity network as its inaugural Chairman.

                                                                                                                                 

The Institute, which was formally established in 2011, is a sustainable energy think tank headquartered in the new Tyree Energy Technologies Building at UNSW.  It is taking a holistic approach to solving energy-related problems by bringing together leading engineers, economists and policy experts, with the goal of translating research outcomes into real-world applications.

 

“The Institute will be a critical link in the chain that drives innovation into industry and out into the wider community,” said Director Professor Vassilios Agelidis. “The objective is to transform thinking and provide long-term solutions for the move towards a truly sustainable energy infrastructure. George is a very well-respected industry leader who can help the Institute in this regard. He brings considerable government and policy implementation experience, has a strong network and can help promote our research activities”.

 

Building on a long history of expertise in renewable energy engineering at UNSW, the Institute is exploring cost-competitive generation and advanced energy storage technologies, smart electricity grids and alternative fuels, while also addressing the formidable challenge of carbon capture and storage.

 

In addition, it is investigating the social, political and economic challenges of transitioning to a clean energy future.

 

 “We are at the forefront of technology development… and we are working to understand the impact of energy and carbon price policies to identify issues, strategies and policy requirements based on factual information and science in order to advise industry and government,” Professor Agelidisn said.