Unsexy but vital: why warnings over grid reliability are really about building more transmission line

By Tony Wood, Grattan Institute “To ensure Australian consumers continue to have access to reliable electricity supplies, it’s critical that planned investments in transmission, generation and storage projects are urgently delivered.” This week, we heard one of the strongest warnings yet from Daniel Westerman, head of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). So far, media…

Deakin partners to convert old tyres to electricity

A new collaboration between Deakin University’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH) and industry partner Clean Energy Resources (CER) aims to develop novel technologies to convert old tyres into electricity, hydrogen and other important resources. The partnership between Deakin and Geelong-based CER will develop a technology that provides a new way to generate electricity…

RayGen Resources opens new site, gets $10 million ARENA funding

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $10 million in funding for RayGen Resources’ Solar Power Plant Two: Phase 1 project, progressing a “hi-tech solar and thermal storage technology” closer to commercialisation. According to a statement from ARENA on Thursday, the funding will help RayGen improve its design, achieve material cost reductions, and conduct…

ZERO releases second-generation EV for underground mining

Vehicle conversion company ZERO Automotive has launched its second-generation, LandCruiser-based ZED70 Ti, with mining services company Barminco signing on as the first customer to accept delivery and CarBon Leasing & Rentals confirming an order of 200 vehicles. According to a statement on Thursday, the design features:  The company’s proprietary HEPS (Hazardous Environment Protection System) underbody…

New report estimates non-animal models represent a $1.5 billion opportunity for Australia

New modelling published by CSIRO estimates that non-animal models for medical product development have the potential to create $1.5 billion in revenue and 5,000 jobs by 2024. Animals are typically used as part of R&D and testing to ensure the safety and effectiveness of new medical products, according to CSIRO. Non-animal models can use “human-derived”…