Thirsty future: Australia’s green hydrogen targets could require vastly more water than the government hopes

By Madoc Sheehan, James Cook University Green hydrogen is touted by some as the future – a way for Australia to slowly replace its reliance on fossil fuel exports. The energy-dense gas has the potential to reduce emissions in sectors challenging to decarbonise, such as steelmaking and fertiliser manufacturing. The Albanese government wants it to…

JCU engineers develop world-first bendable ceramic for aerospace applications

James Cook University engineers have created a groundbreaking bendable ceramic material that could revolutionise aerospace design, the university announced on Wednesday. The material, which can be 3D-printed and withstand more than 10,000 loading cycles without breaking, has attracted the attention of global aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin, which will partner with the JCU team over the…

Darwin manufactured roof insulation panel passes muster

Insulation panels designed and made in Darwin, Northern Territory have passed wind load test and serviceability tests at a NATA-accredited James Cook University site. NT manufacturer Arctic Installations is now preparing for volume production of its structural panels designed for demanding tropical environments. The Darwin manufacturer is part-way through a collaborative project, totalling $2.9 million…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, January 29 – February 2, 2024

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to this site were reading. 5) Federal government to contribute $70 million for Townsville hydrogen hub The federal government has announced “up to $70 million” in funding to support development of the Townsville Region Hydrogen Hub in Queensland, with construction expected to be…

Twelve new CSIRO ON Accelerate ventures announced

Addressing global health challenges, championing sustainability through circularity, and advancing advanced manufacturing, are some of the innovative areas selected for the next stage of CSIRO’s ON Accelerate programme. The programme, which develops high-potential, research-based ventures for launch into the Australian market, will include 12 new deep-tech project teams who will be given the tools and…

Boost for Townsville defence innovation hub

The federal government is to back efforts by not for profit group North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ Spark) which is establishing an innnovation and industry precinct in critical technologies. The government signed a $32.2 million that paves the way for work to begin on northern Australia’s first collaborative defence industry hub in Townsville. Also supported…