The agreement, valued at approximately $2 million over five years, will enable the University and Fraunhofer ICT to work together on research work focusing on electrochemical energy storage systems for renewable energy, as well as establishing a joint research presence in Australia.

With the constantly increasing proportion of renewal energy sources in the electricity grid, energy storage systems are becoming more and more important. Up until now, only a small number of energy storage technologies, particularly those for electricity, have been able to satisfy the requirements for practical and cost-effective energy storage devices.

The agreement was signed by Fraunhofer’s Head Multinational Networking, Dr. Eckart Bierdümpel and UNSW’s Dean of Engineering, Professor Mark Hoffman, at UNSW Sydney.

Welcoming the initiative, Professor Hoffman said: “This agreement will facilitate collaboration between UNSW, Fraunhofer ICT researchers and energy technology-related companies to enable the development of new concepts that have the potential for commercialisation.

“This collaboration also aligns to UNSW’s research strength in the area of alternative energies and fuels. The formulation of reliable large-scale energy storage technologies is of significant importance internationally.”

Dr. Bierdümpel said: “With our joint German-Australian Centre for Electrochemical Technologies we have formed a strong alliance between the world leading partners in basic and applied research in this field, creating a unique and strategic partnership.”

Both UNSW Sydney and Fraunhofer ICT are world-class research institutions, providing a strong supportive research environment, with an excellent international reputation.