Wagner Sustainable Fuels and its partners have commissioned an Australian-first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blending terminal at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, which it says is also the first such blending terminal “co-located at an airport globally”. “The launch of our Toowoomba Terminal is the start of our plans to deliver [decarbonisation] benefits and meet the aviation…
The federal government’s Strategic Examination of R&D (SERD) process “has lost its way”, lobby group Science & Technology Australia (STA) has said, following a release of six issues papers from the SERD panel. According to a statement from STA on Wednesday, the “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to build a more complex, innovation-based economy has instead failed on…
Adelaide-based REDARC Electronics has released its new REDARC Lithium Adventure Batteries (REDLAB) for four-wheel-drive and outdoor travel enthusiasts, available in 100Ah, 200Ah, and 300Ah models. In a statement on Tuesday, REDARC described the range as rated IP67 construction (completely dust-tight and able to withstand immersion in up to a metre of water for 30 minutes),…
Beekeeping products startup HiveKeepers has won a Good Design Award in the Concept Design category for its Micro Honey Harvester, following its top prize for innovation at the recent World Beekeeping Awards. According to a statement from the company – ahead of the Australian Good Design Awards gala event at Sydney on Friday night –…
Gareth O’Reilly (pictured), who formerly headed Schneider Electric in the Pacific Region and Fletcher Building in Australia, has been appointed as the new CEO & Managing Director of electrical engineering firm Ampcontrol. In a statement on Tuesday, Ampcontrol’s Chair, Greg Sedgwick, praised O’Reilly’s professional calibre, industry experience and international background. “This is a very exciting…
The NSW government is courting plant-based protein companies, encouraging them to consider establishing regional factories in the state via a new prospectus at the AltProteins 25 conference. According to a statement from regional NSW minister Tara Moriarty and others on Tuesday, regional NSW – five key regions are “particularly suited to plant-based protein manufacturing” –…
By John Quiggin, The University of Queensland The federal government’s announcement of a A$600 million rescue package for Glencore’s copper smelting and refining operations in Mount Isa and Townsville marks a definitive shift in Australia’s industry policy. The announcement follows the $2.4 billion rescue of the Whyalla steelworks, and a smaller assistance package for metals…
Industry lobby group the Advanced Materials and Battery Council (AMBC) has rejigged its leadership team, with former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) appointed its new chair. In a statement Monday, the AMBC said the former premier brings “proven executive leadership in policy delivery and large-scale industrial development” to the role. Outgoing AMBC Chair Craig Nicol…
Lovells Group appoints renowned polymer chemist Lovells Group has announced the appointment of Emeritus Professor Jacques W.M. Noordermeer of the Netherlands, adding “one of Europe’s most respected polymer chemists” to its engineering team. According to a statement from Lovells, Noordermeer has more than 45 years’ experience advising industry on advanced elastomers, is an Officer in…
A Queensland University of Technology-led team has been awarded a $2.2 million grant through the Quad Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program to develop a novel battery cathode production method. Australia has committed $50 million to the diversification program, which was announced during May 2023 Leaders’ Summit for the Quad, a diplomatic partnership between Australia,…