Study to develop a solar PV supply chain underway

The Australian PV (photo voltaic) Institute (APVI) will examine opportunities in Australia for the development of elements of solar PV supply chains. The APVI, a non for profit member body that provides data analysis and collaborative research, has already conducted a market assessment report which expressed concern about Australia’s reliance on China for solar PV…

RAAF aircraft to get local paint job

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing has signed a three-year strategic agreement with family-owned Flying Colours Aviation (FCA) to paint the Royal Australian Air Force’s E-7A Wedgetail and P-8A Poseidon aircraft as part of deeper maintenance services now being performed onshore. The Wedgetail is a twin-engine airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft based on the Boeing 737…

Thomas Global Systems power units head to the US

Avionics and mission-critical electronics manufacturer Thomas Global Systems will supply Power Distribution Units (PDU) and other electronics as part of Northrop Grumman’s rollout of its Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) for the US Army. Northrop Grumman’s IBCS integrates a multitude of sensors and connectors to enable joint, multi-domain command and control. Sydney-based Thomas Global is…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

XTEK’s HighCom awarded new armour order XTEK has announced that its HighCom Armor Solutions division has received an international purchase order to supply ballistic body armour to an undisclosed European customer, worth $2.6 million. Scott Basham, XTEK Group’s CEO, said on Monday that the armour business — across manufacturing in Columbus, Ohio, XTclave technology development…

Pacific Energy awarded $2.4 million grant to boost production

The Western Australian government has awarded remote energy generation company Pacific Energy $2.4 million in funding through the Investment Attraction Fund, which the company says will be used to strengthen its renewable energy division’s manufacturing operation and diversify the state’s economy. Pacific Energy said in a statement on Tuesday that the grant recognises its “ability…

Bowen to develop decarbonisation plans, but still no industry plan

By Peter Roberts The Minister for Climate Change and Energy has celebrated a year of achievement on tacking climate change, lambasted the climate ‘fantasy’ of the former Morrison government and outlined his next task – the creation of sector specific decarbonisation plans. In a major speech to the Clean Energy Council Bowen said he would…