REMHART, the Renewable Energy Microgrid Hub for Applied Research and Training, is based at East Arm on the outskirts of Darwin. 

The microgrid can be configured to closely match the components of a real power grid, such as the Tennant Creek power grid, so that it can operate as a miniature version of the real grid, which enables the testing of new technologies for increasing renewable energy in the grid in a controlled environment. 

A team led by Professor Suresh Thennadil, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the university, uses the facility for applied research, system testing, training and industry collaboration. 

The microgrid provides the infrastructure and expertise needed to help address power generation challenges, such as improving grid stability, reducing reliance on diesel in remote communities, and developing a local energy workforce. 

The focus includes renewable integration, hybrid systems, hydrogen technologies and advanced digital energy solutions. 

REMHART, which was established through funding from the Federal Government’s Strategic University Reform Fund and operates under the Energy and Resources Institute at the university, collaborates with private enterprise and government agencies. 

It supports: 

• Simulation of grid-connected and off-grid microgrids 
• Testing of solar PV, battery storage, inverters, diesel and hydrogen generators 
• Integration of electric vehicle charging, smart meters, and IoT-connected devices 
• Fault simulation, load variation, and contingency testing to assess system performance and reliability 

A containerised hydrogen electrolyser and fuel cell system is installed at REMHART, which supports applied research into the role of hydrogen in remote and hybrid energy systems, including energy balancing, control strategies and safe deployment. 

The microgrid can simulate power generation systems, which has enabled it to be used on several projects, including working for the Alice Springs Future Grid, a three-year investigation into how the Central Australian town can overcome barriers to achieving 50 per cent renewable energy generation by 2030. 

Researchers tested how effectively residential virtual power plant “talks” to the main grid to maintain energy reliability. 

“If power is being drawn too fast from the main grid, electricity can be injected from residential batteries using the virtual power plant system to maintain energy reliability,” says Professor Thennadil. 

This work aligns with the Northern Territory Government’s focus on delivering an affordable, reliable and secure energy system through strategic investment in energy infrastructure, expanding large-scale solar and battery storage, and ensuring grid stability for communities and industry. 

It also supports the Australian Government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 through the integration of clean energy technologies and the development of a skilled, transition-ready workforce. 

“The microgrid is very flexible and can be used by companies to test and improve their generation systems.” 

REMHART also tested the viability of transitioning the power stations at Tennant Creek and Yulara to 70 percent renewable. 

And it helped Original Power in testing smart metering for Australia’s first Indigenous-led solar project at Borroloola and is working on digital twin options for future projects. 

Feedback from industry, government and community partners has consistently highlighted the microgrid’s ability to support real-world testing, workforce upskilling and technology validation, particularly in remote and hybrid contexts. 

The microgrid is bridging the gap between academic research and applied industry needs. 

It is also playing another vital role — training. 

There is a growing worldwide shortage of technicians and engineers trained in renewable energy systems, particularly in remote and regional parts of Australia. 

The university plans to start degree, professional development and vocational education training courses. 

And it is working to establish a Centre of Excellence for Energy Transition, with REMHART forming the technical and operational foundation. 

The centre will expand existing REMHART activities to support applied research, skills development and energy systems innovation across Northern Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. 

REMHART is available for collaboration with government, industry, utilities and researchers. TQ 

CONTACT 

REMHART 

08 7943 6660 

eri@cdu.edu.au 

cdu.edu.au/eri/remhart 

CDU STUDENTS QUOC VINH NGUYEN, THY NGUYEN AND NYI NYI MOE WORKING ON THE REMHART INITIATIVE 

REMHART CAPABILITIES 

Grid simulation and hardware testing 

• End-to-end microgrid modelling and system testing 
• Integration testing of technologies from different vendors 
• Scenario-based analysis under realistic Territory conditions 

Hydrogen research 

• Testing and optimisation of hydrogen systems in microgrids 
• Research into storage, conversion, and safety systems for hydrogen in energy networks 

Remote and community energy solutions 

• Design and testing of systems tailored for regional and remote contexts 
• Support for community-led energy projects and off-grid optimisation 

Training and workforce development 

• Short courses in hybrid power systems, micro-grids, hydrogen safety, and cybersecurity 
• Support for VET-to-Higher Education pathways and postgraduate programs in energy systems 
• Internships and graduate placements with NT Energy Utilities and other relevant Industries 

Modelling, AI, and digital twins 

• System modelling and simulation to inform design and operational strategies 
• Use of artificial intelligence for energy forecasting, optimisation, and control 
• Development of digital twins to support virtual replicas of microgrids used for scenario testing, predictive maintenance, and control logic development 

Cybersecurity and IoT 

• Evaluation of cyber-resilience in distributed energy systems 
• Testing of smart meters, control devices, and remote monitoring under simulated threat scenarios 
• Research into standards, response protocols, and secure system design 

Applied research and consulting 

• Collaborative research projects with local and national and international stakeholders 
• Performance testing and validation of renewable technologies 
• Participation in industry trials and grant-funded research program