PROF JIE BAO
Hub Director
Research Theme Leader
Professor Jie Bao is a leading expert in Process Control, specializing in improving the efficiency of energy-intensive processes. He plays a vital role in shaping the Australian energy landscape, focusing on the the development of solutions that integrate energy storage into the National Electricity Market (NEM). His expertise is particularly relevant to the optimisation of technologies that improve the control of energy-intensive operations, impacting sectors such as aluminium production and energy storage systems.
As the Director of the ARC Research Hub for Integrated Energy Storage Solutions and the leader of the Process Control Research Group in UNSW’s School of Chemical Engineering, Professor Bao is not only a distinguished researcher but also a devoted educator, influencing the next generation of engineers.
He is a founding member of the AUS-NZ Flow Battery Network, collaborating with industry and research organizations to advance energy storage technologies globally. Professor Bao's wide-ranging research interests include process control theory, dissipativity theory-based process control, behavioral systems theory, networked and distributed control systems, and control applications across various industries.
Through industry partnerships with Emirates Global Aluminium, Rio Tinto, North Harbour Clean Energy, Xstrata, Bluescope Steel, and Trimet, Professor Jie Bao demonstrates the real-world impact of his research. His pioneering work in power modulation of smelting cells has significant implications for facilitating virtual storage through demand-side management of energy, particularly benefiting industries like aluminium production. This innovation aligns with the evolving needs of such industries, providing practical solutions to improve energy efficiency and support sustainable practices.
Professor Bao has been appointed to the Australian Research Council College of Experts, showcasing his esteemed position in the academic and research community.