By Andrew Blakers, Australian National University; Anna Nadolny, Australian National University, and Ryan Stocks, Australian National University In eight years, Australia wants to be four-fifths powered by renewables. Solar and wind investment is pouring in. But to firm the renewables and overcome the intermittency, we need overnight energy storage. That’s why there’s so much interest…
Applications open for 2023 Venture Catalyst Space programme Applications for the University of South Australia’s Innovation & Collaboration Centre’s (ICC) Venture Catalyst Space are now open. Supported by the South Australian government the programme connects founders with industry experts including from NASA, the Australian Space Agency, Defence SA, Airbus and the Smart SatCRC. Since its…
Recycling technology company Samsara Eco has announced completion of a $54 million Series A round, ahead of plans to begin volume production next year. The Australian National University spinout officially launched in September 2021, and is commercialising an “enzymatic depolymerisation” approach to recycling. This uses engineered enzymes to break plastics into monomers which can be…
“A better future for Australia must mean a future made in Australia,” Treasurer Jim Chalmers said at the launch of the latest budget. The 2022 budget delivered a series of wins for Australian industry, targeting the creation of a better foundation for future STEM students, a commitment to cleaner and cheaper energy, and an eye…
The Victorian opposition has announced a new program that would provide grants up to $10 million, covering up to half of costs, for manufacturers investing in projects “to increase efficiency and upscaling, participation in global supply chains, support entry into new markets and business adaptation.” The program, named Driving Victorian Manufacturing Success, would provide up…
Magnis goes slow on Townsville battery factory Magnis Energy Technologies appears to be going slow on its planned Townsville lithium-ion battery manufacturing factory. The company is a member of the Imperium 3 Townsville consortium which has completed a feasibility study for an 18 GWh battery plant – the study was funded by the Queensland government.…
Lockheed Martin opens Adelaide office Defence prime contractor Lockheed Martin Australia’s new Adelaide city office has been officially opened by South Australian Deputy Premier Susan Close. Close unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion together with LMA employees, industry partners, academia, business and Indigenous leaders. The new 930 square metre purpose designed office will…
By Bruce Mountain, Victoria University If future historians pick a point in time when Australia comprehensively turned its back on coal-fired generation, they may well point to AGL’s decision to bring forward the closure of Loy Yang A, the cheapest (excluding emission costs) power generator in the energy market spanning eastern Australia. AGL announced on…
Defence sales catalogue applications open Defence industry suppliers have been invited to apply for listings in the 2023 edition of the Australian Defence Sales Catalogue. Defence industry minister Pat Conroy said on Monday that the publication connects Australian businesses with potential customers around the world. 226 companies are in the current edition, which is available…
By Gregory Michael McCarthy, The University of Western Australia and Kanishka Jayasuriya, Murdoch University Education Minister Jason Clare has just announced an independent review of the Australian Research Council (ARC). This is the body that oversees funding for non-medical research in Australian universities and plays a critical role in the careers of academics. After years…
