Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

ARENA offers cash for low cost solar

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency is allocating up to $40 million to support the research and commercialisation of Ultra Low Cost Solar PV (ULCS) technologies. “We are seeking proposals for Research & Development (R&D) projects to accelerate cost reductions and help meet the Australian Government’s solar stretch goal. The Ultra Low Cost Solar PV (ULCS) Round is open to a broad range of applicants, including research groups and commercial organisations. We seek ambitious proposals that can make a significant contribution to these cost reduction objectives.” The Australian government’s Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan and Low Emissions Technology Statement 2021 (LETS) identifies that reducing the cost of solar PV generation will be critical to unlocking the economic, employment and emissions abatement potential of other priority low emissions technologies. More information here.

Hanwha Defense breaks ground on Geelong factory

Hanwha Defense has marked a ground breaking ceremony with VIPS’s including Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Korean government officials turning the first sod for Hanwha’s new armoured vehicle Centre of Excellence at Avalon in Victoria. The company called it a great milestone and celebration of the growing Australia-Korea defence relationship. The facility will open by 2024 and will produce Australian self-propelled Howitzers and armoured ammunition resupply vehicles produce self-propelled Howitzers and armoured ammunition resupply vehicles for the ADF. The company displayed its Auscam K9 and K10 vehicles at the opening (pictured).

Form Cut offers to replace Bushmaster parts bound for Ukraine

Australian SMEs are coming to the aid of Ukraine following the despatch of 20 Bushmaster protected vehicles to the nation. CEO of Adelaide’s Form Cut, Karl Falzon, has confirmed that all 20 vehicles will be fitted with Protected Mobility Blast Mats, an occupant protection system that Form Cut designed and manufactured. Falzon said: “I have made an offer today to the Commonwealth that Form Cut Australia is very happy to replenish stock of this item at no cost, the smaller thing that we can do to support this effort.”

Cann Group gets go ahead for Mildura facility

Cannabis medicines developer Cann Group has received approval from the Office of Drug Control to allow the manufacture of medicinal cannabis at its Mildura, Victoria growing and processing facility. The manufacturing permit completes the suite of ODC permits required for the operation of extraction operations at the facility. Cann is continuing to work with the Therapeutic Goods Administration on its GMP licence application, with a conclusion expected in ‘coming months’. The facility will produce medicinal cannabis products to be marketed by the company, as well as selling extracts as an active pharmaceutical ingredient.

BHP moves to decarbonise shipping to Asia

A consortium of the Global Maritime Forum, BHP, Rio Tinto, Oldendorff Carriers and Star Bulk Carriers Corp will assess the development of an iron ore Green Corridor between Australia and East Asia. Green Corridors are shipping routes where ‘the economics, infrastructure, and logistics of zero- or near-zero emission shipping are more feasible and rapid deployment can be supported by targeted policy and industry action’. The companies said governments and industry decision-makers were increasingly looking to enable and simplify the task of decarbonising the maritime sector. VP of supply chain at BHP Rashpal Bhatti said: “BHP’s membership of this Green Corridor consortium is testament to the importance we place on targeted exploration and partnerships in identifying pathways to decarbonization for the maritime sector.”

REDARC MD Anthony Kittel honoured

REDARC Group managing director Anthony Kittel has been inducted into the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Hall of Fame at an awards ceremony. This induction honours the creativity, industriousness and accomplishments of outstanding individuals who have contributed to the ongoing success of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Industry. REDARC was also honoured to receive the Excellence in Manufacturing award for a fourth consecutive year, which recognises the ongoing investment made into research, innovation and predicting future trends. REDARC manufactures automotive and defence electrical and electronic equipment.

Picture: Hanwha Defence

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