Should we worry about wasting renewable energy? Here’s why ‘spilling’ excess power is expected – and efficient

By Dylan McConnell, UNSW Sydney In Australia’s electricity system, more and more energy from sunlight and wind is being “spilled” – or not converted to electricity. In the last year, the amount of renewable energy spilled was roughly equivalent to the annual consumption of 750,000 typical households, or three months of consumption for the state…

BioPak to release Australian-first PHA-lined disposable cup range later this year

Plant-based product business BioPak has announced an upcoming range of compostable cups lined with polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) biopolymer, which it says is an Australian first. In a statement on Wednesday, the Bondi-based company said it was now first to market with a compostable packaging sector product: “a cup that truly aligns with the circular economy.” PHA…

70 economists back Future made in Australia, blast Productivity Commission

Channel Nine media has revealed that a group of 70 economists from the nation’s most important universities support the recently announced Future Made in Australia policy. The exclusive story by well respected journalist Shane Wright in the SMH newspaper also puts a rocket up the Productivity Commission which has continued its long standing antipathy to…

Optiscan launches InVue device for on the spot pathology results

Microscopic imaging technology company Optiscan Imaging has revealed an innovative new medical imaging device, InVue, which is designed to enable precision surgery through real-time digital pathology. Manufactured in Melbourne in partnership with industrial design firm Design + Industry, InVue is a significant milestone for the company, traditionally known for its confocal microscope devices. Optiscan CEO…