Grant Success for Centre for Renewable Energy and Power Systems (CREPS)

CREPS has been successful in obtaining a Australian Research Council (ARC) linkage grant to investigate the impact of Climate Change on Biofouling in HydroElectric Pipelines. The funding includes $150 000 from Hydro Tasmania and $160 000 from the Australian Research Council over 3 years. The research team lead by Dr Jane Sargison, Program Leader - Energy Delivery Systems (CREPS), includes A/Prof Paul A Brandner, Ms Jessica M Andrewartha, Dr Alan D Henderson, Prof Gustaaf M Hallegraeff, Dr Jonathan E Osborn, Prof Gregory J Walker. ARC funding schemes are highly competitive and this grant is a clear recognition of the research excellence of the team.

Project Summary

National economic and environmental benefits will flow from increased outputs of renewable energy from hydroelectric power systems. Improved performance of canals and pipelines will enable energy and water losses to be reduced and will provide the National Electricity Market with additional renewable energy, lowering the requirement for fossil fuels. Knowledge of the impacts of Climate Change will enable industry to manage changes in rainfall pattern and conduit biofouling. An improved understanding of biofilms can be applied to achieve wider national benefit in water reticulation, irrigation systems and maritime applications. The team will develop research skills and technical expertise and train PhD students and industry counterparts.