UNSW Canberra spin-off company Skykraft has been awarded a $1 million grant to accelerate design and manufacture of small satellite systems. The grant from the ACT government will begin design and manufacture of a SmallSat constellation to provide global air traffic management capabilities. Skykraft managing director, James Prior said this ‘early definition work’ established a…
A partnership between CSIRO, and Japanese chemical manufacturer, Piotrek, will develop Australian-developed battery technologies aiming for commercial production in the next five years. The two will develop lithium battery technologies for portable electronic devices, drones and automotive vehicles, as well as developing batteries less prone to fires. They will develop Solid Polymer Electrolytes (SPEs) for…
New investment in solar and wind farms has fallen risking power price rises and future energy reliability, according to the Clean Energy Council. A week after it was revealed the 2020 large-scale Renewable Energy Target (RET) would be met, the council said investment is threatened because there is no energy and climate policy to replace…
Comment by Peter Roberts Despite all the noise from policymakers promoting STEM study in schools, the statistics present another depressing picture of Australia’s failing VET education system. Figures released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) show a continuing fall in STEM subject in Australian schools. In 2018 compared to 2017: # VET…
Leigh Creek Energy (ASX: LCK) has reported the potential for a low-cost, disruptive technology to improve the viability of fertiliser production from its South Australian coal fields. The company, which has proven large reserves of gas available from in situ gasification, annnounced the results of a study by Thyssenkrupp. Thyssenkrupp, which has developed 14 fertiliser…
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will provide $4 million to Melbourne’s Wave Swell Energy to install a pilot-scale wave energy converter in Tasmania. The company’s “oscillating water column” (OWC) technology will be installed at a site off King Island and connected to an existing microgrid operated by Hydro Tasmania. The $12.3 million pilot project…
By Stuart Corner When it comes to the agricultural potential of IoT the Australian Government just does not seem to get it. A 2015 report and a 2016 parliamentary enquiry both failed to make more than passing reference. A new enquiry is now underway. Will it do a better job? On 3 September the Federal…
By Mark Burgess, CEO, Quickstep Holdings Mark Burgess had a long international career before moving to lead Sydney composites manufacturer, Quickstep. Here he comments on the challenges faced by his company to innovate in Australia. Australia’s Nation brand reputation is not one of industry or innovation. This affects how others see us, but also affects…
HMAS Anzac’s new taller and wider mast has been installed in a major milestone in the ship’s modernisation and technology upgrade. Installed at BAE System Australia’s Henderson facility in Western Australia, the mast incorporates the new Australian developed and made CEA L-Band high power active phase array radar. Incorporating an integrated ‘Friend and Foe’ capability,…
By Peter Roberts There is no doubt the idea of a circular economy, where manufacturers reclaim used materials to make products that can themselves be recycled again and again, is a great idea. But getting from the dream to the reality requires such enormous goodwill and co-ordinated effort from manufacturers and end-users, that it very…
