As Australia leads the world in the uptake of rooftop solar and electric vehicles, the strain on our electricity grid is becoming more evident. To meet this challenge head-on, we’re proud to announce the launch of the Network Exchanger (NEx) Project – a pioneering collaboration between Third Equation and Monash University aimed at transforming the future of grid stability and energy resilience.
A Smart, Scalable Grid Solution
The NEx device represents a new generation of advanced power electronics. Installed immediately after distribution transformers, it integrates multiple grid support capabilities – including voltage regulation, phase balancing, power factor correction, and harmonic reduction – into a single, compact unit. This combination makes NEx a uniquely decentralised and cost-effective alternative to traditional infrastructure upgrades.
With one in four Australian households already generating solar power, grid limitations are not a theoretical concern – they’re a present-day bottleneck. NEx addresses these challenges head-on, improving power quality and voltage management at the local level, reducing solar export curtailment, and enabling more efficient, flexible electricity networks.
Project Scope and Goals
Led by Dr. Reza Razzaghi of Monash University, the NEx Project will rigorously assess the technology’s real-world impact through three key work packages:
- Network Impact Assessment – Using high-fidelity modelling of Australian suburban grids, this phase will evaluate how NEx can increase hosting capacity and manage demand across various solar PV and EV uptake scenarios.
- Laboratory Testing & Validation – NEx units will undergo real-world performance testing to validate their effectiveness in voltage regulation, power factor correction, and phase balancing.
- Project Outputs & Reporting – The project will deliver technical reports, cost-benefit analyses, peer-reviewed research papers, and actionable recommendations for large-scale trials and future deployments.
Collaboration Across Industry and Academia
Third Equation is proud to provide the NEx technology that sits at the heart of this project. We're excited to be working alongside Monash University, with the support of an Industry Reference Group including AusNet Services, Energy Queensland, and Essential Energy. This collaboration ensures that the outcomes are grounded in both technical excellence and practical application.
Paving the Way for a Smarter, Cleaner Energy Future
As Australia’s energy system evolves, the need for agile, scalable, and intelligent grid solutions has never been greater. The NEx project represents a vital step toward this future – one where distributed energy resources like solar and EVs can thrive without compromising the stability or performance of the grid.
We believe this project will provide critical insights that shape the next generation of electricity networks – smarter, more resilient, and ready for the energy transition.
Thank you to Monash University and all our partners for helping bring this project to life.
