Why don’t we have electric aircraft?
Electric cars, trains, trams and boats already exist. That logically leads to the question: why are we not seeing large electric aircraft? And will we see them any time soon?
Slag, sustainability and steel
Metal manufacturers around the world are trying to lessen their greenhouse gas output. Brent Balinski spoke to the CSIRO’s Dr Mark Cooksey about some of his organisation’s work regarding green steelmaking, and why he believes the de-carbonisation trend is an opportunity for Australian metal producers.
Stock market casino comes to manufacturing
Comment by Peter Roberts The stock market is often likened to a casino. This is especially true in Australia where most active companies on the ASX are mining minnows, all competing for attention with their latest discovery. Cyclically this market burns white hot, and the white shoe brigade bids up the prices of penny stocks…
Canberra backs business into Moon, Mars space race
The federal Government will back Australian industry participation in NASA Moon and Mars missions with a $150 million investment. The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, agreed to the investment, to be made through the Australian Space Agency, during his recent trip to the United States. The Agency will help companies demonstrate their capabilities in projects that…
Victoria calls for train, tram ideas
The Victorian government has called on rail industry manufacturers to put forward ideas for its next generation trains and trams. The government, which has a policy of at least 50 per cent local content in its public transport rolling stock, is planning new generation rolling stock under its strategy, Trains, Trams, Jobs 2015-2025. The new…
Bellamy’s keen on $1.5 billion China takeover
Milk and infant formula producer Bellamy’s Australia (ASX: BAL) has reacted favourably to a $1.5 billion takeover offer launched from the fast-growing China market. The company’s board was unanimous in recommending shareholders vote in favour of a $13.25 per share deal, comprised of $12.65 in cash and a 60 cents per share dividend. Shares in…
The future of manufacturing is garbage
A while ago I blogged about Viridi, a clever bunch that is developing a way to salvage grape sugar, tartaric acid and antioxidants from wine waste.
Hunt begins for new Australian wine research boss
By Andrew Spence The Australian Wine Research Institute is embarking on a global search for a new leader following the resignation of its Managing Director Dan Johnson. Based in the South Australian capital Adelaide, the AWRI is a key player in international wine research. Dr Johnson joined the institute in 2006 and became its youngest…
Simplot, McCain, Lion and others to complete renewable process heat feasibility studies by year’s end
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $460,500 in funding for a study on the use of renewable energy to generate process heat, which it says represents the largest component of energy use within manufacturing.
SA declares space launch project significant – report
The South Australian Government has declared a rocket launch site proposed for the lower Eyre Peninsula to be a state significant project. The declaration boosts the hopes of Southern Launch, which is developing the Whalers Way launch site on the coast near Port Lincoln. Suited to launching polar satellites south over the ocean, the site…