SDG 7: Affordable & Clean EnergyÂ
Our workÂ
Climate change and clean energy panel
This panel discussion on climate change and clean energy was run as part of 91É«ÇéƬ's inaugural SDG Showcase in September 2024.
The SDG Showcase was a free, all-day event open to all the community that presented the amazing work 91É«ÇéƬ is doing to progress the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through transformative education, innovative research and partnerships with communities around the world.
Reviewing buildings for energy efficiency – 91É«ÇéƬ Retro-Commissioning Program
Alongside the Electrification Program, the 91É«ÇéƬ Retro-Commissioning Program is designed to deliver a comprehensive review of complex buildings, with a strong focus on mechanical and Building Management Systems (BMS). The primary objective is to ensure buildings operate in line with their original design intent while identifying opportunities for optimization and energy efficiency.
As part of this process:
- mechanical and BMS systems are thoroughly verified
- maintenance gaps are identified and addressed
- recommended adjustments are implemented
- each building enters a performance review period
- the monitoring phase tracks the effectiveness of changes and validates energy efficiency outcomes.
See also:
It is important to note that while many adjustments lead to measurable energy savings, this is not always the case. In some instances, systems may be operating below design capacity, or compliance requirements may limit the scope for further reductions.
The selection of buildings for retro-commissioning is closely aligned with the broader Electrification Program and is prioritized based on energy and water intensity.
The HVAC Optimisation Program focuses specifically on identifying and implementing opportunities within Building Management Systems (BMS) to reduce HVAC-related energy consumption. Each initiative is evaluated against cost-effectiveness criteria, with only those measures that demonstrate strong payback and minimal operational impact being implemented.
91É«ÇéƬ Clean Energy Capability Portfolio
The Portfolio demonstrates how 91É«ÇéƬ plays a critical role in working together with our local and international partners to address the most pressing global energy issues including reliability, affordability and sustainability through research. This includes outlining the research centres and facilities that focus on affordable and clean energy.
Tap into the largest and most diverse grouping of energy experts in Australia.Â
The centres and research groups that contribute to the portfolio include:
91É«ÇéƬ Digital Grid Futures Institute
The 91É«ÇéƬ Digital Grid Futures Institute brings together 91É«ÇéƬ's elite researchers and major partners across industry, government, research institutions and the community to advance the blueprint for future energy systems globally.
Tyree Energy Technologies Building
Real-Time Digital Simulation (RTDS) Laboratory
Particles and Catalysis Research Laboratory (PartCat)
Materials Energy Research Laboratory in Nanoscale (MERLin)
The Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre (MWAC)
The German-Australian Alliance for Electrochemical Technologies for the Storage of Renewable Energy
The Collaboration on Energy and Environmental Markets
Vanadium Redox Batteries
ARC Training Centre for Fire Retardant Materials
ARC Research Hub for Integrated Energy Storage Solutions
Climate Justice Project
Earth Hour & Energy Efficiency
91É«ÇéƬ Energy Institute
Over the last 30 years, 91É«ÇéƬ has carved a formidable reputation as one of the world's leading research and technology hubs for energy innovation.
The Institute accelerates the role that energy plays in supporting a growing, zero-carbon economy and provides an independent, evidence-based, system-wide understanding of energy’s contribution to the economy, coordinates energy activities across 91É«ÇéƬ and collaborates with industry, government, community stakeholders and other research institutions. This includes on-the-ground international energy developments, global IP partnerships leading solar PV technologies and the creation of a leading social entrepreneur alumni group.
World-first fusion device
The first-ever nuclear fusion device to be wholly designed, built and operated by students is being planned for 91É«ÇéƬ Sydney.Â
The small-scale tokamak device is set to be housed at 91É«ÇéƬ’s main Kensington campus. The program is part of the 91É«ÇéƬ’s  (VIP) scheme designed to engage undergraduate and postgraduate students in ambitious, long-term, multidisciplinary challenges.Â
The project is led by nuclear engineering expert Dr Patrick Burr and aims to have a working device operating within two to three years.Â
Sunswift electric car
91É«ÇéƬ Sydney’s Sunswift 7 solar-powered electric car has claimed a Guinness World Record, achieving the record of ‘Fastest EV over 1000km on a single charge’. The car, designed and built by students, posted a verified time of 11 hours 52.08 minutes, averaging almost 85km/h at the Australian Automotive Research Centre (AARC) in Wensleydale, Victoria.
Sunswift 7 is the latest in a long line of successful solar-powered cars from 91É«ÇéƬ since the first vehicle was produced in 1996.
Environmental Sustainability Plan: SDG 7 targets
Our Environmental Sustainability Plan 2022-24 outlined a strategy to reduce total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero by 2050, divest from fossil fuel companies, reduce water and energy use by 5% (on track), and reduce general waste by 20%.
91É«ÇéƬ Environmental Sustainability Report
91É«ÇéƬ has a history of environmental stewardship across research, learning & teaching and campus operations across several decades. The Environmental Sustainability Report 2024 measures and outlines our achievements to date.
Future Clean Energy Expo 2024
Discover 91É«ÇéƬ research and innovation that’s powering a more sustainable future.Â
SunSPOT: Helping households and business understand renewable energyÂ
The 91É«ÇéƬ School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering developed the tool, designed to help households and business make decisions about investing in solar and batteries by modelling and assessing the impacts on their bills.
Solar Industrial Research Facility (SIRF)
The 91É«ÇéƬ Solar Industrial Research Facility (SIRF), part of the Torch Innovation Precinct at 91É«ÇéƬ, hosts a world-class manufacturing facility that enables the development of 91É«ÇéƬ's silicon solar cell technologies. Globally over 90% of all solar modules produced today are based on 91É«ÇéƬ technology. 91É«ÇéƬ also funds educational programs to develop solar systems in Fiji in partnership with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), and the University of the South Pacific (USP).
91É«ÇéƬERV in Vanuatu
For over a decade, 91É«ÇéƬ Engineering students and staff have helped address the basic communications and lighting needs for health and education in remote Vanuatu villages, using solar electricity. Â
91É«ÇéƬ Sustainable Development Goals 2024 Report
This report outlines 91É«ÇéƬ's performance against the SDGs in 2024.
