Renewable energy expertise sought by Russia

An internationally recognised expert in renewable energy from the University of Tasmania will visit the two Europe's largest engineering institutions in Russia to speak about his latest research from 13 to 17 September 2009.

Professor Michael Negnevitsky, who is the Chair Professor in Power Engineering and Computational Intelligence and the Director of the Centre for Renewable Energy and Power Systems (CREPS) in Tasmania, is also one of the recognised world leaders in the areas of power system analysis, intelligent system applications and clean energy applications.

The trip has been sponsored by Australian Trade Commission under the Visiting Researcher Program to further profile Australia's excellence in research in the fields of clean energy technology to European and Russian universities and students.

Professor Michael Negnevitsky is currently developing hybrid remote area power systems using Hydrogen energy storage, which will help isolated and regional communities move away from their reliance on diesel.

“Typically electricity for remote and isolated communities in regional areas is supplied with conventional diesel generators,” he said.

“This project aims to develop hybrid stand-alone power systems with wind as the renewable energy source and hydrogen as the primary energy storage medium.”

Reduced diesel fuel consumption and air pollution will be achieved by injecting electrolytically produced hydrogen and diesel into the engine.

“Such a hybrid system will produce reliable, high quality power under all conditions to fulfil customer demands at a reduced cost.”

Professor Negnevitsky has authored and co-authored over 300 research publications and secured four patents for inventions.

Source: Media Office, University of Tasmania