MrAli Reza Pirouzfar

Alireza Pirouzfar is a PhD researcher in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE) at Deakin University (Melbourne, Australia), working on decarbonisation and energy resilience solutions for critical water infrastructure. His research focuses on integrating hybrid hydrogen–proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and battery systems into wastewater treatment plants to enable low-emissions backup power, peak shaving, and improved operational reliability. His work includes environmental impact assessment and techno-economic analysis to support practical pathways toward net-zero operations in the Australian water sector, in collaboration with industry partners including Barwon Water.

Alireza completed his Master’s degree in Energy and Environmental Technology in Norway, where he worked on sustainability-focused modelling projects, including carbon capture, storage and utilisation (CCUS) case studies, and wrote his thesis on advanced control and optimisation of integrated photovoltaic (PV)–electrolyser systems aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). He also brings industry experience in energy auditing and energy management, with capability spanning ISO 50001-aligned programs, NABERS energy/water/carbon ratings, and building and industrial energy optimisation.