Smarter Loads, Stronger Grid: Partnering with RMIT to Understand Inverter-Based Loads

As Australia’s energy system shifts from synchronous generation to distributed renewables, inverter-based loads (IBLs) are becoming increasingly common—from EV chargers to HVAC systems and battery inverters. But while they offer flexibility and efficiency, they also introduce new challenges for grid stability. That’s why running a real-world trial with RMIT University to measure the impact of IBLs on the grid is not just timely—it’s essential.

This collaboration blends rigorous academic research with operational insights, helping to quantify how IBLs affect voltage, harmonics, and frequency response at both distribution and system levels. The trial will support better planning and control strategies for networks and aggregators alike, while offering participants early access to findings that will shape emerging standards and compliance frameworks. For businesses working at the edge of innovation—energy tech firms, site operators, or VPP providers—this is a rare opportunity to validate technology, de-risk deployment, and contribute to the smarter, more resilient grid Australia needs.