Melbourne Energy Institute
The Melbourne Energy Institute delivers influential, interdisciplinary research on the transition to a clean energy system. We work with the community, industry and government on some of the world's most pressing energy challenges.
Research Programs
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Energy Systems
The Energy Systems Program considers how different energy technologies interact with one another, society and the environment. The program includes the technical, economic and environmental analysis of energy networks, wholesale and retail energy markets and energy system planning.
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Hydrogen and Clean Fuels
The Hydrogen and Clean Fuels Program integrates research into production, distribution and use of hydrogen in the energy system. The program studies electrolysis and clean fuel production, as well as hydrogen and clean fuel distribution and use in industrial and transport applications.
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Power Generation and Transport
The Power Generation and Transport Program brings together researchers who investigate several forms of renewable and low emission power plants for stationary and mobile applications. This includes advanced wind, solar, gas turbine, reciprocating engine and energy storage technologies.
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Energy Materials
The Energy Materials Program assembles researchers working in materials science and engineering, and focuses on the discovery and optimisation of materials for energy applications. This includes materials for energy generation, storage, transport, and consumption such as hydrogen electrolysis, batteries, solar energy conversion and lighting.
Enter the ZEE Lab
See what our students, researchers, and industry partners are working on in the Zero Emission Energy Laboratory.
Net Zero Australia
Net Zero Australia is a partnership between the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, Princeton University and international management consultancy Nous Group.
Engage with us
MEI runs a vibrant news and events program and welcomes enquiries from prospective students and industry partners.
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Energy Systems
The Energy Systems Program considers how different energy technologies interact with one another, society and the environment. The program includes the technical, economic and environmental analysis of energy networks, wholesale and retail energy markets and energy system planning.
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Hydrogen and Clean Fuels
The Hydrogen and Clean Fuels Program integrates research into production, distribution and use of hydrogen in the energy system. The program studies electrolysis and clean fuel production, as well as hydrogen and clean fuel distribution and use in industrial and transport applications.
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Power Generation and Transport
The Power Generation and Transport Program brings together researchers who investigate several forms of renewable and low emission power plants for stationary and mobile applications. This includes advanced wind, solar, gas turbine, reciprocating engine and energy storage technologies.
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Energy Materials
The Energy Materials Program assembles researchers working in materials science and engineering, and focuses on the discovery and optimisation of materials for energy applications. This includes materials for energy generation, storage, transport, and consumption such as hydrogen electrolysis, batteries, solar energy conversion and lighting.
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Master of Energy Systems
Influence, change and guide critical decision-making in the energy sector. Develop the unique set of skills required to analyse energy systems from a technical, commercial and policy standpoint.
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Low-Carbon Power Systems (Masters specialisation)
Develop key expertise in the operation, planning and design of low-carbon power systems and energy markets with deep penetration of renewables, distributed energy resources, and smart grid technologies.
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MEI 2022 PhD Scholarships
The Melbourne Energy Institute offers PhD scholarships for talented graduates doing energy research at the University of Melbourne.
Where can studying with us take you?
Meet Graduate Researcher Mathieu Pichault. Mathieu Pichault is a PhD student undertaking research under the joint supervision of academic staff in Earth Sciences and Mechanical Engineering. His passion for sustainability and climate change led him to his PhD. His research looks at characterising, detecting and forecasting wind power ramps at the wind farm scale to optimise the integration of wind farms into the grid.
MEInetwork program
The MEInetwork is an education and skills program developed by the Melbourne Energy Institute at the University of Melbourne. This annual program offers education activities focused on the energy sector, with an additional focus on professional development and engagement across sector and academic networks. These activities include the Energy Systems Seminar Series, the Energy Systems Short Course, the MEI Symposium, and other topical meetings and seminars.
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Energy Systems Seminar Series
Monthly seminars that lead participants through critical aspects of the energy supply chain, presented by specialists from industry and the University of Melbourne.
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Energy Systems Short Course
Learn skills in analysing the financial, technical, and environmental performance of energy projects.
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MEI Symposium
A conference seminar showcasing the University of Melbourne’s multi-disciplinary energy research across MEI’s four programs.
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MEIxAEMO Seminar Series
Quarterly seminars presenting findings from the Australian Energy Market Operator.
To learn more about the MEInetwork please contact us: mei-info@unimelb.edu.au
Supporting the transition to clean energy
ZEE Lab works with industry to support the clean energy transition, including building the workforce needed to make it happen.
What is the ZEE Lab?
The Zero Emission Energy Laboratory – ZEE Lab for short – is an initiative coordinated by the Melbourne Energy Institute that connects research and industry to codevelop solutions and innovations for a clean energy transition.
The ZEE Lab Internship Program offers talented graduate students paid placements with industry hosts, with the aim of creating new technologies, establishing clean tech jobs, supporting clean energy and transport start-ups, and offering training and employment opportunities in the energy sector.
Some areas now under exploration include wind and solar forecasting tools, utility-scale energy storage, updated software for renewable-rich grids, advanced hydrogen technologies, and technologies for hydrogen and electric-powered transportation.
The initiative is supported by $4.7 million in State Government funding via the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, matched by cash and in-kind funding from the University of Melbourne and industry.
Meet our ZEE Lab interns
The ZEE Lab Internship Program places outstanding graduate students from science, engineering, business and other relevant backgrounds with industry. In 2021-2022, a first round of 17 interns completed a 12-week paid placement with industry partners.
Applications have now closed for the second round of internships. Organisations interested in hosting an intern are encouraged to contact MEI. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on future rounds.
Sheida Shadpour paired with Ekistica to work on solar farm analysis.
Yu (Cherry) Zhong was hosted by CO2CRC to work on hydrogen storage.
Shawn Ingle worked with Electric Vehicles Pty Ltd on ‘micromobility hubs’.
Chelsea Christy worked with EPSA to develop a solar-optimising algorithm for hybrid microgrids.
Angela Keyte applied her chemistry skills at Arup to support work on green hydrogen.
Kevin Yang put data science into practice at Meridian Energy's Mount Mercer wind farm.
Omar Castrejon Campos helped Urban Analytica estimate carbon credits accrued from micro-mobility.
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Institute Team
The Melbourne Energy Institute is operated by a small and dedicated team.
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Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board is comprised of energy industry leaders who provide strategic advice to the Institute.
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Executive Committee
The Executive Committee oversees Institute management, with senior staff from several disciplines.
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Institute Fellows
The MEI Fellowship has a diverse membership that is drawn from Architecture, Economics, Engineering, Health, Law, Planning, Science and Social Science.
Contact Us
Email us:
See us in person:
Melbourne Energy Institute
Level 1, Melbourne Connect
700 Swanston Street, The University of Melbourne
Parkville, Vic 3010
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Twitter: @MEIunimelb
LinkedIn: Melbourne Energy Institute