Australian government support for four energy innovations

A small wind turbine that can be used to generate energy in urban locations and a low-cost, waterborne solar-power generator feature among four bright ideas in the energy sector to benefit from Australian government support to bring them to market.

Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has announced more than $2.4m in Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) grants with 38 innovations each receiving $64,000.

Altaus's inaudible 1 kW micro wind turbine stands 2 m tall and can generate electricity with winds of just 5.5 metres a second. The device has only two moving parts which allows it to operate silently and at speeds much lower than conventional turbines.

Sunengy is marketing its liquid solar array that floats and can be used on hydro-electric dams to generate power. The device has water cooling and electronic sun tracking to give maximum efficiency as well as a plastic structure to minimise cost.

Other innovations for the energy sector to receive COMET funding include:

• A steam generator that uses thermo-acoustic pulse combustion technology developed by Envirospray (Aust). This highly efficient pulse combustion unit provides steam energy with a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
• A new technology being commercialised by Crucible Carbon produces biocrude, biogas and biochar from biomass resources at competitive costs and efficiency.

During the worst global recession in 75 years, COMET is helping great Australian innovations into the marketplace, boosting the economy and supporting high-wage, high-skill jobs.

A COMET business adviser will assist the companies with market research and developing strategic business plans, IP strategies and working prototypes to bring their products to market. For more information, visit the AusIndustry website, call the hotline on 13 28 46 or email hotline@ausindustry.gov.au.

The COMET program complements the Government’s Enterprise Connect initiative which provides eligible established SMEs in the manufacturing sector with business assessments at no cost to firms and support to implement business improvement measures.

For more information about the Enterprise Connect initiative, contact the hotline on 13 17 91 or visit www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au.