GreenHy2 to provide hydrogen power generation, storage to Telstra
Hydrogen energy storage manufacturer GreenHy2 has signed a Federal Government Grant to provide its Hy2MEDI generation and storage system to Telstra. The System, valued at $1.5 million, will be funded by the Australian Government from the Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation (TDRI) Program, Power Resilience Round. GreenHy2 submitted to the TDRI Program in late 2023 for a 100 percent renewable energy, diesel-free Stand-Alone Power System solution for telecommunications, using a solar array, an advanced long-life Solid State Metal Hydride battery, and power generation with dual fuel cells and an alternative hydrogen generator. Matching finance for the $3.0 million project was committed by INFRACO, a subsidiary of Telstra for Critical Site Infrastructure.
Gekko Systems sells 200th gold processing system
Mineral processing equipment manufacturer Gekko Systems has announced the sale of its 200th production scale InLine Leach Reactor (ILR) to Marmato Mine in Colombia, operated by Aris Mining Colombia (pictured). The InLine Leach Reactor was invented in 1997 by Technical Director and co-founder Sandy Gray. The system’s concept of chemically treating gravity gold concentrates was driven by the poor gold recoveries and low security associated with standard physical recovery on a shaking table. The ILR was the first commercialised intensive leach technology and remains the global technical and market leader in the gold industry. Sandy and Gekko’s award-winning technical and design team continue to constantly review and improve ease of operation and recoveries from the unit which typically run around 98-99 per cent.
DroneShield’s new US government defence order
Drone detection and countermeasure manufacturer DroneShield has announced a repeat U.S. Government order of $13.5 million contract for its dismounted Counter-UxS (C-UxS) counter drone systems. DroneShield expects to deliver the order in full this quarter. DroneShield’s Director of Business Development Tom Branstetter said: “DroneShield’s ability to rapidly deliver high-performance, lifesaving technology at this scale sets us apart in the counter-UAS industry, empowering our clients with cutting-edge solutions precisely when they need it.”
Provaris’s RED II Compliance for Compressed Hydrogen supply chain
Hydrogen shipping developer Provaris Energy has reported preliminary results for meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) emissions standards for bulk hydrogen shipping using its proprietary H2Neo carrier on a round-trip between Norway and Germany. RED II sets stringent emissions standards aimed at fostering the use of renewable energy sources, including that the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of biofuels to be significantly lower than the fossil fuel alternatives. For hydrogen production, the emission threshold is set at 28.2 grams of CO2 equivalent per megajoule (g CO2e/MJ) of hydrogen. H2Neo with its hybrid electric propulsion system has an estimated emission level of 7.6 g CO2e/ MJ H2.
New boss for Green Industries SA
Public servant Josh Wheeler has been named as the new chief executive of Green Industries SA (GISA), following a stint as acting chief executive. Wheeler has worked for eight years at GISA as head of governance and corporate business functions. Climate, Environment and Water Minister Susan Close said: “Mr Wheeler has the skills, experience and passion necessary to lead the dynamic and high-performing agency Green Industries SA, which contributes to the delivery of SA’s Economic Statement and our net zero commitments through the circular economy.”
Orthocell receives approval for sale in Singapore
Tissue regeneration technology developer Orthocell has received regulatory approval from the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore to begin sales of its Remplir nerve repair product. This is the company’s first approval outside Australia an New Zealand. Orthocell is in advanced discussion with a medical distributor ahead of a Singapore market launch in Q1 CY25. The company said its Remplir collagen nerve wrap was on track to receive US FDA regulatory clearance in Q1 CY25.
Ridley Corporation change of directors
Animal feed manufacturer Ridley Corporation has appointed Daniel Masters partner of AGR Partners LLC, an associated entity of Ridley’s largest shareholder, as director of the company. The appointment coincides with the retirement as director of Ejnar Knudsen, founder and Chief Executive Officer of AGR Partners LLC. Ridley Chair, Mick McMahon said: “Dan brings a depth of international experience in agribusiness and the pet food ingredients sector that compliments Ridley’s diversified operations and growth strategy.” The board and management team expressed sincere thanks to Ejnar Knudsen, who joined the Ridley board in 2013, for his leadership and valued contribution.
Australian Space Diversity Alliance’s new committee
The Australian Space Diversity Alliance has announced its inaugural National Committee in celebration of World Space Week. The newly appointed panel will drive initiatives to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within Australia’s rapidly expanding space industry. ASDA National Committee Members are Anntonette Dailey — Manager Government Relations, Virgin Australia; Deb Travers-Wolf — Founder, I LEAD Consulting; Dwayne Fernandes — Co-founder and Director, Minds at Play & IDEA Services; Eleanor Ingram — Manager, Diversity and Inclusion, CSIRO Space and Astronomy; Jacqui Tyack – Marketing Consultant, The Write Space; Katie Mouser — Senior Policy Officer, Australian Space Agency; Keira Chrystal — Associate, Moonshot Space Co.; Larry D. James, Lt Gen, USAF (Ret) — Strategic Advisor, SmartSat CRC; Mei He — Media & Marketing Coordinator, Mitch Porteous — Business Manager, HorizonOne and Dr Sheila Gough Kenyon, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Starbound Space Solutions.
Virescent Ventures announces $100 million first close of new fund
Australia’s largest dedicated climate tech VC, Virescent Ventures, has announced completion of a $100 million first close of its second climate technology investment fund (Fund II). Investors in the new fund — which “aims to deploy $200 million into climate technologies and follows the success of Virescent Ventures’ first portfolio” — include Westpac and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). Managing Partner of Virescent Kristin Vaughan said, “Australia has abundant natural and renewable resources, deregulated energy markets, world-class universities and researchers, and government support for advancing clean technologies and industries. This is a generational opportunity for innovation, growth and impact, and we are excited to reach first close of Fund II.” Virescent was born of the CEFC’s Innovation Fund in 2022, whose portfolio it manages on behalf of the CEFC, with investees including electrolyser firm Hysata, EV charging infrastructure company JET Charge, and agribusiness Loam.
MEX Engineering to open new additive manufacturing centre
MEX Engineering has announced the acquisition of new Markforged industrial 3D printers and will showcase this boost to its additive manufacturing offerings at an event running 10 am – 12:30 pm on Wednesday, October 30. The investment will bring “metal and composite 3D printing solutions to our portfolio, enabling us to produce high-strength, precision parts faster and more cost-effectively than ever before” the company said. It added that the new machines would complement existing CNC machining and laser marking services. The free event will be held at MEX’s site at Narellan on southwest Sydney. More information is available here.
Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science awarded
The 25th annual Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science awarded on Tuesday. The Prize for Innovation went to Professor Andrew F. Wilks and Dr Chris Burns, who were recognised for inventing and commercialising a drug called momelotinib, which is used to treat the blood cancer myelofibrosis. Dr Andrew Horsley, founder of Quantum Brilliance, took home the Prize for New Innovators, recognising his “groundbreaking innovations towards making quantum computing an everyday technology, unlocking a range of potential new applications for the field in Australia and abroad.” The top award, the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science, was awarded to Swinburne University Professor Matthew Bailes for his world-first discovery of fast radio bursts. A full list of winners can be seen here.
Picture: Gekko Systems