Sydney, Australia: University of New South Wales Partners with ASB Group to Develop AI Tool for Optimizing Virtual Power Plants

Wedoany.com Report on Mar 9th, A research team from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia has partnered with Sydney-based installer Aussie Solar Batteries (ASB) Group to co-develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven energy management platform aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of solar and battery systems. This project plans to test new technologies in real-world operating environments to improve grid stability, reduce costs, and maximize the value of distributed energy assets.

The research will focus on predictive analytics, demand-side management, optimization algorithms, and digital twin modeling to advance the intelligent coordination of distributed energy resources and the efficient deployment of virtual power plants (VPPs). ASB CEO Steven Yu noted that this collaboration bridges academic innovation with practical application.

"This partnership allows us to take world-class research out of the lab and apply it directly in real homes and businesses," Yu said.

"By combining UNSW's expertise in AI and energy with our large-scale deployment capabilities, we can accelerate the rollout of smarter, more efficient solar and battery networks across Australia."

The collaborative project, named "AI-Driven Intelligent Energy Hubs for Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Deployment in Residential and Commercial Solar Networks," is part of the Australian government-funded Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) program. Co-led by UNSW and the University of Newcastle, its goal is to accelerate the commercialization of advanced clean energy technologies.

"This project aims to bridge the gap and rapidly advance solutions to improve reliability, lower energy costs, and unlock the full potential of virtual power plants," Yu said.

According to ASB's statement, the project is expected to run until the end of 2026. The two parties will collaborate under the TRaCE framework to explore commercialization pathways and ensure the new technologies benefit the Australian community. Yu emphasized that smart batteries and AI-driven energy systems represent the future direction of grid development.

"It's time for our energy solutions to have the capability and intelligence to respond to and calibrate the lifestyle and power needs of homes and businesses, ensuring sensible consumption and the lowest possible cost. Our groundbreaking project will achieve this," Yu said.