Quantum tech is a high-stakes gamble. Here’s how Australia can find a way forward
Quantum technologies – which may soon provide huge advances in computing, communication and sensing – are rapidly growing in strategic importance.
Quantum technologies – which may soon provide huge advances in computing, communication and sensing – are rapidly growing in strategic importance.
By Charlie Huang, RMIT University Australia is at the forefront of efforts to turn steelmaking green. Earlier this year Australian iron ore producers Rio Tinto teamed up with Australian steelmaker BlueScope to develop “near-zero emission-intensity” pathways for making steel from Pilbara iron ore. Renewable electricity and hydrogen would replace coking coal. Iron ore miner Fortescue…
By Bruce Mountain, Victoria University Imagine if Australian cities became major producers of clean energy, rather than relying on far-flung solar and wind farms. Far fetched? Hardly. Our cities and towns are full of warehouses, commercial areas, shopping centres and factories. These types of buildings have one very important underutilised resource – large expanses of…
The Australian National University, Axiom Space and Aqacia are partnering through a project supported by the iLAuNCH Trailblazer to develop a wearable space health device. According to a statement from iLAuNCH on Tuesday, the device “will sense, transmit, and real-time assess health data in remote areas including sub-orbital flights” and help “enable real-time simulation, diagnosis,…
By Ian Lowe, Griffith University and Kylie Walker, Australian National University Australia’s clean energy transition is already underway, driven by solar, wind, batteries and new transmission lines. But what about nuclear? Opposition leader Peter Dutton last month committed to building nuclear reactors on the site of retired coal plants – triggering intense debate over whether…
By Peter Newman, Curtin University The extent to which renewables should dominate Australia’s energy grids is a major issue in science and politics. Solar and wind are clearly now the cheapest form of electricity. But limits to these technologies can undermine the case for a renewables-only electricity mix. The challenges posed by solar and wind…
By Ty Christopher, University of Wollongong and Michelle Voyer, University of Wollongong On the weekend, an area 20km off the Illawarra coast south of Sydney became Australia’s fourth offshore wind energy zone. It’s the most controversial zone to date, with consultation attracting a record 14,211 submissions – of which 65% were opposed. The zone’s declaration…
By Sanjoy Paul, University of Technology Sydney and Priyabrata Chowdhury, RMIT University The shift towards net zero emissions and greater international competition have created new opportunities for clean energy industries – poised to shape the global economy in the coming decades. To harness these opportunities, the government has developed a long-term strategic initiative called the…
Following last month’s heavily-anticipated announcement of the Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers list for 2024, @AuManufacturing is now making a report based on the five-month campaign freely available. Download the 36-page e-book for profiles on some of the standout nominees this time around, exclusive Q and As with some of the best of the best…
By Paul Gover Applying a luxury twist to humble laundry liquid, incorporating natural organic plant-based ingredients, has allowed Bon Savvy to create a new Australian export success story. Bon Savvy is selling its range of luxury laundry products through one of the world’s most upscale department stores, Globus of Switzerland, which has a total of…