Climate Smart Engineering Conference
Dr Tara Hosseini will present about a project she is leading, using NEAC’s Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) model as a holistic, coherent and scalable multi-energy model.
Optimised regional energy demand and supply integration for net-zero heavy industry transformation
The transition of Australia’s heavy industrial sectors (iron/steel, alumina/aluminium, cement/lime etc.) to a net-zero carbon future demands a comprehensive, regionally specific approach to energy system transformation. This study addresses the critical need for detailed, industry-informed scenarios to guide infrastructure investment and facilitate a staged transition. Recognising the dominance of these industries in regional energy demand, a “bottom-up” methodology is employed to model the evolution of industrial processes and energy infrastructure across key regional hubs.
Central to this study is the regional integration and joint optimisation of energy supply and demand, achieved using the National Energy Analysis Centre’s Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) approach. This holistic framework unifies detailed energy demand analyses and energy supply modelling, encompassing electricity, hydrogen, and heat into a single, co-optimised model. By leveraging mathematical optimisation, simulations, and control strategies, the MBSE approach enables the efficient design and operation of complex energy systems, addressing the challenges of integrating diverse energy carriers and navigating spatial and temporal variations in renewable resources. This integrated model provides a robust platform for evaluating investment options and identifying optimal, economically efficient energy supply-demand pathways for each regional hub.
Building upon existing national-level analyses like AEMO’s Integrated System Plan (ISP) and Net-Zero Australia (NZAu), this study provides a granular, industry-driven perspective, essential for addressing the unique energy needs of heavy industries, many of which operate independently or with limited grid connectivity. By incorporating stakeholder engagement and scenario development, the project ensures that the transition aligns with industry needs, technological advancements, and government emission reduction targets. This regional focus allows for the identification of specific infrastructure requirements, including the integration of emerging technologies like methane pyrolysis and advanced storage solutions.
Ultimately, this project aims to unlock investment in critical energy infrastructure, enabling the sustainable growth of Australia’s heavy industry and contributing to the nation’s broader transition to a low-carbon economy. By prioritising regional integration and employing a robust, data-driven approach aligned with contemporary MBSE, this project will deliver actionable insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of the energy transition for regional Australia.