New study charts smarter path to 24/7 renewable power for heavy industry 

Heavy industries can achieve 24/7 renewable power through the smart use of solar and battery storage, according to a new study from The Australian National University (ANU) and the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC). 

The research shows that Australia’s most energy-intensive industries, such as steel, aluminium, and cement, could substantially reduce electricity costs and emissions by optimising how renewable energy is integrated. 

“Our modelling shows that the next advance in industrial decarbonisation will come from smarter use of renewable technologies,” Dr Bin Lu, lead author of the study from ANU, said. 

“With smart operational strategies, industries can cut their electricity costs while running on renewables around the clock.” 

The ANU team developed a high-resolution energy modelling framework that simulated continuous industrial operations, capturing variations in solar and battery outputs over their lifetime. The model was applied to case studies of Australia’s heavy industries. 

The study found that: 

• On-site solar and batteries can support continuous industry operations and help cut carbon emissions by between 35 and 87 per cent. 

• Electricity costs range from $90–$157/MWh at current technology costs to $71–$92/MWh under long-term cost projections. 

• Interactions with the grid could help lower electricity costs by 23–42 per cent, compared to off-grid systems.  

• Optimising systems for load flexibility – the ability to adjust energy usage to match the supply of electricity – could further reduce electricity costs to less than one-third of natural gas power. 

“Instead of waiting for technology to get cheaper, we can unlock greater benefits by integrating renewables smartly,” Dr Lu said.  

“This system-level approach can help make 24/7 green electricity a reality for Australian industry.” 

HILT CRC Chief Executive Officer Jenny Selway said the work demonstrates how research partnerships can help industries plan their clean energy transition. 

“Heavy industries are vital to Australia’s economy,” Ms Selway said. 

“Through collaborations like this, we’re building the knowledge base that helps industries invest confidently in renewable energy and decarbonisation.” 

The findings support strategic planning for green energy industries, aligned with the Australian Energy Market Operator’s Integrated System Plan and national target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. 

The research is part of the HILT CRC project ‘Low-cost reliable green electricity supply for low-carbon heavy industry’  and is published in Solar Energy.