Transgrid has put the call out for innovators, researchers, startups and energy technology leaders to help accelerate new technologies and shape the future of Australia’s electricity transmission network.
As part of a $4.7 million innovation fund, the utility is seeking expressions of interest to partner with Australia’s largest transmission provider on cutting-edge projects that explore how electricity demand can be flexibly managed, making the grid cleaner, more reliable, and more cost-effective.
Transgrid General Manager of System Resilience, Robbie Aherne, said the transmission provider’s Demand Management Innovation Allowance (DMIA) will accelerate innovations that help Australia further enable the transition to renewable energy.
“As Australia’s energy system evolves, it’s crucial we continue working closely with innovators and researchers who are exploring new solutions to complex network challenges,” Mr Aherne said.
“This innovation fund recognises the importance of collaboration and aims to help accelerate practical solutions, such as flexible load technologies and virtual power plants.
“These solutions have great potential to improve network reliability, lower cost, and directly benefit consumers.”
Expressions of interest are open to organisations exploring solutions, including:
- Research into modifying the drivers of network demand usage patterns
- Flexible load technologies that intelligently manage energy consumption
- Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) to integrate and optimise distributed energy resources
- New control and grid integration tools to better manage electricity flows and enhance system reliability
AgenticGrid.ai is partnering with Transgrid, RACE for 2030 and Monash University on a demand management initiative to develop an advanced AI-driven platform.
AgenticGrid.ai Managing Director, Jason Clark, said this project will create an intelligent twin of a segment of the electricity grid to simulate scenarios such as weather events, renewable energy integration, and customer energy resource adoption.
“This innovative tool enables stakeholders to explore cost-effective, resilient, and sustainable grid solutions, directly improving decision making for the future of the energy system,” Mr Clark said.
“We’re grateful for the funding through Transgrid’s DMIA, which provides essential financial assistance for us to continue to work on innovative demand side solutions to future-proof Australia’s electricity network.”
Mr Aherne highlighted the broader importance of collaborative partnerships facilitated by the DMIA.
“By partnering with the best innovators and researchers, we’re ensuring these demand-side solutions are robust, practical, and deliver measurable improvements to network performance,” he said.
“Ultimately, this collaboration will help us deliver lower-cost energy and enhanced reliability for consumers.”
