Qinetiq, Uni of Melbourne, to develop micro-grid with $5.4 million Hub grant

Defence has awarded Qinetiq in Melbourne a $5.4 million contract via the Defence Innovation Hub to develop an innovative, deployable micro-grid that will help address an increase in the demand for power in the modern battlefield.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price welcomed the Government’s investment in QinetiQ, which has partnered with the University of Melbourne to develop its unique technology. Using advanced energy management algorithms, QinetiQ’s technology will offer a power efficient, responsive and deployable micro-grid that will help ensure the ADF has access to power on the battlefield.

“This technology, developed through the investment of the Morrison Government, has the potential to provide a globally deployable power solution, with applications beyond Defence,” Minister Price said.

Liberal Senator for Victoria James Paterson said this was an important investment to help build Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities.

“Australia is at the centre of a dynamic and changing region characterised by rising powers, strategic competition and military modernisation,” Senator Paterson said.

“This investment will deliver advanced and integrated solutions to emerging threats and challenges in our region, including the ‘grey-zone’ tactics of espionage, cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns.”