Research models
CZI builds large scale models of clean energy consumption and demand growth. The Future Energy Hub commissioned CZI to construct a large scale model to electrify industrial heat from coal and gas.
Our findings demonstrated that electricity consumption in the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) Step Change Scenario may be conservative, where major energy users follow through with plans to phase out coal and gas between now and 2030; or if new large users of electricity are added (e.g. Data Centres).
Incorporating load growth from transport and other new energy users like data centres, our research models create a clean energy opportunities framework applicable for industrialised regions that includes stationary and mobile energy.
Based on commitments from major energy users, the models consistently show higher rates of electrification in the business segment than anticipated by policy makers.
Energy Emissions
CZI’s energy emissions models use robust carbon accounting and detailed data to analyze sector-specific emissions. Advanced techniques isolate emissions in distinct sectors for targeted policies. For example, a Tasmania case study identified key sources like transportation and electricity, guiding regional emissions reduction and tracking progress. CZI continually refines these methods to support data-driven energy and environmental policies.
Transmission Capacity
CZI has built detailed modelling of interconnector capacity and its potential effects on generation capacity. CZI’s transmission models utilise Transmission Network Service Provider standards and transmission planners projections as the baseline. Our team includes electrical engineers who model capacity at both in proposed and potential renewable energy zones. We incorporate available capacity alongside planned expansions. This approach enables precise planning and optimisation of transmission to support the integration of renewable energy sources.
Load Opportunity
CZI’s load opportunity models enable detailed projections of electricity demand across sectors. The models focus on high-impact industries such as data centres and industrial heat applications in steel and aluminium production, capturing their distinct consumption patterns and potential for growth. By analysing industry-specific load profiles with broader grid dynamics, CZI identifies key opportunities for demand response, energy efficiency improvements, and the siting of new renewable energy capacity.
Current Projects
Clean Cloud
Data centres could use up to 10% of Australia’s electricity by 2030—more than manufacturing (Morgan Stanley Research). Based on AEMO forecasts, CZI predicts an 11 TWh clean energy shortfall, likely to be filled by coal, prolonging its use (1-2 GW of coal capacity). CZI’s project seeks policy, community and industry alignment to ensure Australia’s data centre opportunity is realised—carbon free.
Renewables and Agriculture
The social license of renewable energy in regional Australia is under attack. This project focused on solutions and opportunities for farmers in the context of Australia’s renewable energy transition with an emphasis on landholder choice and farmer leadership.
Renewable Energy Zone Modelling
Working with diverse stakeholder from industry, environment and academia, our team produces robust transmission capacity modelling for renewable energy zones and candidate zones.
Access Open Source Publications and Models
Where licensing allows, we publish our models and research outputs under the universal open source license. This ensures that our work is freely accessible and can be used, modified, and shared by the community, fostering collaboration and innovation. Head to our downloads page to see the latest publications and access the most up-to-date resources.