Policy briefs

Betting on hydrogen in stand-alone energy systems? The economic outlook doesn’t look good. 
Hydrogen is often promoted as a key solution for long-duration energy storage, but its economic value in stand-alone energy systems remains highly uncertain. Even under conditions designed to favour hydrogen, this study finds that it remains costly, raising important questions for policymakers and investors planning future energy systems. 27 Apr 26 - Dan Virah-Sawmy, Fiona J. Beck and Bjorn Sturmberg.

By acting like batteries, electric vehicles and heating can save taxpayers millions.
In a model of the ACT energy network, ANU researchers have found that electric vehicles and water heating could help avoid millions of dollars in costly grid upgrades. How? By acting like ‘distributed batteries,’ improving the grid’s responsiveness to demand. 15 Sept 25 - Bin Lu, Marnie Shaw, Bjorn Sturmberg, Anna Nadolny, Timothy Weber, and Kylie Catchpole.

Australians care more about climate change than you think.
Australians of all backgrounds underestimate how concerned other people are about climate change. Correcting these beliefs could help climate policy succeed. 23 Jun 25, Zoe Leviston, Tanvi Nangrani, Samantha K. Stanley, and Iain Walker.

Marine cloud brightening on the Great Barrier Reef easily powered by solar photovoltaics.
A promising anti-bleaching technology for the Great Barrier Reef is powered by diesel generators. ANU experts have found that solar photovoltaic (PV) can be easily added to these generators to reduce their emissions. 8 May 25, Dan Virah-Sawmy, Bjorn Sturmberg, and Daniel Harrison.

The policy settings that could supercharge neighbourhood batteries.
New research from ANU has confirmed neighbourhood batteries’ potential, but shown that network position, battery operation settings, and tariffs will be critical to maximising their benefit. 25 Sept 24.

Solar for renters: Designing policies to promote investment.
Investment in rooftop solar photovoltaic panels on rental properties is being stalled by property investor perceptions that they would receive minor returns, with most benefits flowing to renters. Policies seeking to increase the deployment of solar on rental properties will need to overcome this perception by bringing all stakeholders in the rental market – investors, renters, and property managers – to understand the value of solar. 2 Sept 24, Mara Hammerle, Lee V White, and Bjorn Sturmberg.

Climate change is taking an emotional toll, but better education could help.
New research from ANU has shown that climate change is negatively affecting the emotional wellbeing of young Australians. These feelings are exacerbated by what young people see as shortcomings in their climate education. Addressing these gaps in schools may combat feelings of powerlessness and alleviate climate-related distress. 24 Jul 24, Tanja Russell.