Advanced material projects for defence awarded $1.6 million
Five public/private groups have been awarded a total of $1.6 million for advanced materials projects from the Next Generation Technologies Fund.
Defence scientist develops sensors that can ‘see’ a single photon
An Australian defence scientist is developing systems that ‘see’ single photons of light to build up 3D images in low light conditions or even when an object is partially obscured. The development, by Dr Dennis Delic of the Defence Science and Technology (DST), opens the prospect for manufacturing systems that could allow a Royal Australian…
Decarbonisation of cement moves a step closer
By Peter Roberts Along with steel production, the manufacture of cement is among the most economically critical and at the same time most polluting of industries. Both products are vital and yet both contribute billions of tonnes annually to carbon dioxide emissions that are raising global temperatures and threatening humanity. But paths to decarbonise both…
Redox flow giant battery a triumph and tragedy for Australia
Comment by Peter Roberts South Australia, not content with having led the world when it installed the first grid-scale lithium ion battery is doing it again – this time installing the world’s largest vanadium redox flow battery. But the installation of an 8 MWh vanadium redox flow battery (VFB) by Yadlamalka Energy Trust is both…
ViDAR system secures contract for test and development by Lockheed Martin
Australia’s Sentient ViDAR system has won a contract for test and development by global defence giant Lockheed Martin for rotary intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability. The program opens the door to export opportunities and integration with the company’s Sikorsky MH-60R & Lockheed Martin sensor suites. Locally developed by Melbourne’s Sentient Vision, Sentient ViDar (Visual…
Ziptrak to expand production, exports with new plant
Adelaide outdoor blind manufacturer Ziptrack plans to boost innovation and production, including exports, from a new $10 million factory it is constructing at the Tonsley Innovation District. Construction of the new 3,000 square metre premises is underway with the company sourcing $1 million worth of equipment for the move to Tonsley, a mixed education, R&D…
‘I choose green hydrogen’ (and steel) by Andrew Forrest – his Boyer lecture in full
Fortescue Metals Group founder Andrew Forrest stunned investors when he committed to massive investments in green hydrogen and green steel production in his recent Boyer lecture. Here is the full text of this landmark speech. The Boyer lectures are traditionally lectures – a speaker lecturing Australia about what it should do. I’ve chosen a different…
Engineers have built machines to scrub CO₂ from the air. But will it halt climate change?
CO₂ removal can be done in two ways. The first is by enhancing carbon storage in natural ecosystems, such as planting more forests or storing more carbon in soil. The second is by using direct air capture (DAC) technology that strips CO₂ from the ambient air, then either stores it underground or turns it into products.
Manufacturing can be the engine of global recovery – here’s how
COVID-19 has given the world a sharp reminder that manufacturing and production sectors – and their enabling supply chain ecosystems – remain the most real and significant force in the global economy.
Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed
Wattle Health retail powers ahead Organic infant formula manufacturer Wattle Health is seeing strong growth through its supply arrangement with Australia’s largest pharmacy retailer, Chemist Warehouse, according to a business update from the company. Chemist Warehouse became a shareholder in Wattle and began distributing its products in March. Wattle confirmed it had also secured distribution…