Sodium-ion batteries are set to spark a renewable energy revolution – and Australia must be ready

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…

UoW, BlueScope announce $4.2 million to investigate ores in lower-carbon ESF steelmaking

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has shared details of a new project with industry partner BlueScope Steel for lower-emission steelmaking, which was announced on Wednesday morning as securing $2 million in funding through an Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) grant round. According to a statement from the university, the project will investigate ways to utilise…

A prefab building revolution can help resolve both the climate and housing crises

By Ehsan Noroozinejad, Western Sydney University and Parisa Ziaesaeidi, Western Sydney University The world faces an increasing shortage of housing and an escalating climate emergency. These urgent global issues call for quick action and innovative solutions. The numbers show us how stark things are. Construction activities and building operations produce more than 40% of the…

Manufacturing the Energy Revolution summit to be held August 2-3 in Canberra

Weld Australia and the Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work will host Manufacturing the Energy Revolution: Industrial Opportunities from Renewable Energy on August 2 and 3, an event focussing on the challenges and opportunities presented by decarbonising the nation’s energy supply. The legislated emissions reductions targets of 43 per cent (on 2005 levels) by 2030…

New ARC Carbon Science and Innovation centre awarded funding

The UNSW-led Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Carbon Science and Innovation has been awarded $35 million in federal funding, and aims to “revolutionise carbon science” to create new carbon-based catalysts for use in renewable energy generation, carbon capture and clean chemical production.  Scientia Professor Liming Dai (pictured), who is also Founding Director of the…