Our projects

Substitution of niche-market photovoltaics (PV) production tools with cost-effective consumer-electronics technology

This Macquarie-led collaborative project aims to dramatically lower the cost of current silicon photovoltaics (PV) manufacturing technology through the development and application of novel production line equipment based on low-cost consumer electronics technology. These low-cost tools will work as direct drop-in replacements for conventional high-cost specialized equipment. The project identifies three forms of consumer electronics technology that will be optimized to reduce the cost of PV device processing and quality control;

• microwave heating to replace conventional thermal processes
• flat-bed scanner technology for texture monitoring
• thermal imaging technology for defect detection.

Project Partner/s: University of New South Wales

Funding Body: ARENA

For more information, contact MQ Sustainable Energy Research member, David Payne

Durable Silicon Perovskite Tandem Photovoltaics (PV)

This collaborative project aims to develop solutions to improve the cost-effectiveness of solar cells by enhancing durability of silicon (Si)-perovskite tandem devices whilst maintaining high power conversion efficiency. Silicon (Si)-perovskite tandem photovoltaics have shown huge potential in efficiency gains and so delivering this product will be a truly cost-effective alternative to current market dominating Si solar cells.

Project Partner/s: University of Sydney, Australian National University, University of New South Wales, AGP America S.A

Funding Body: ARENA

For more information, contact MQ Sustainable Energy Research Director – PV, Associate Professor Shujuan Huang

Triple Junction Silicon-Perovskite-Perovskite Tandem Photovoltaics (PV)

This collaborative aims to develop next generation ultra-high efficiency multi-junction solar cells which can significantly improve the overall cost-effectiveness of photovoltaics materials.

Project Partner/s: University of Sydney, Australian National University, University of New South Wales, Shenzhen Heiking PV Technology Pty Ltd

Funding Body: ARENA

For more information, contact MQ Sustainable Energy Research Director – PV, Associate Professor Shujuan Huang

Indoor Photovoltaics Enabled by Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Quantum Dots

Billions of wireless networked sensors are to be installed inside buildings in the near future, leading to an Internet of Things (IoT) designed to monitor and control our manufacturing, agricultural and energy systems. A supply of reliable and low-cost autonomous power is urgently needed to enable this smart network. This project will build high performing photovoltaic (PV) cells that can harvest indoor illumination to power these IoT devices.

The project’s outcomes will also contribute to other optoelectronic devices including LEDs, tandem solar cells and semi-transparent solar cells for building integrated PV.

For more information, contact MQ Sustainable Energy Research Director – PV, Associate Professor Shujuan Huang.

Biological Hydrogen Production

This Macquarie-led collaborative project uses synthetic biology techniques for the rapid and efficient production of a clean energy source, hydrogen gas. The team have developed an engineered bacteria that converts renewable feedstocks such as cane sugar to hydrogen gas with minimal by products. This innovative technology has a range of applications as the hydrogen gas can be funnelled into a hydrogen fuel cell which generates electricity.

Project Partner/s: Bioplatforms Australia Ltd, BOC Australia

Funding Body: ARENA

For more information on the project, contact MQ Sustainable Energy Research member, Professor Robert Willows.

Examining the production of bio-hydrogen on farms from grain and straw waste

This feasibility project is investigating the challenges and solutions for the recycling of farming biomass to generate hydrogen. The team will analyse the capability and economic feasibility of grain-based and straw-waste feedstock sources for biological hydrogen production on the farm. The on-site generation of hydrogen can be used for a range of farming needs including fertiliser production, the generation of off-grid electricity, and as a fuel for heat and transport applications.

Project Partner/s: Bioplatforms Australia

Funding: Australian Government Business Research Innovation Initiative (BRII)

For more information, visit HydGene Renewables or contact MQ Sustainable Energy Research member, Professor Robert Willows.

The Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC)

The Blue Economy CRC bring the aquaculture and renewable energy sectors together to address the challenges of offshore food and energy production, that leverages the benefits of co-location, vertical integration, infrastructure and shared services. Hydrogen energy generation is one of the offshore renewable energy resources and demonstrating the efficient safe hydrogen energy applications are part of the Blue Economy CRC activities over the next 10 years (2020-2029).

As partners in the CRC, our MQ Sustainable Energy Research Centre members contribute to the risk and safety analysis of different offshore operations, including offshore aquaculture and renewable energy facilities. These offshore facilities can be sustainable only if we can ensure their safe operations under extreme ocean environments.

Project Partner/s: 40 partners over 10 countries

Funding Body: Australian Government

For more information on the project, contact MQ Sustainable Energy Research Director – Hydrogen, Dr Fatemeh Salehi.