Case Studies
Nanocrystals convert solar energy into hydrogen
Australian researchers are using tiny nanocrystals as highly efficient catalysts to generate solar energy for the production of clean fuels such as hydrogen. [ + ]
New nanofilter rapidly cleans dirty water
Researchers have designed a nanofilter that can clean dirty water over 100 times faster than current technology, filtering both heavy metals and oils at an impressive speed. [ + ]
Legume could serve as 'drought fodder' for cattle
The legume leucaena may offer a profitable and environmentally sustainable fodder option for cattle producers in dry, tropical regions. [ + ]
Stormwater recycling scheme gets underway in Sydney
An urban stormwater recycling scheme has been switched on in the City of Sydney's Green Square, enabling residents to save tens of thousands of litres of drinking water. [ + ]
Smarter than your average water infrastructure
A project that helps to predict which water pipes need maintenace before they burst has won one of this year's Eureka Prizes. [ + ]
Sawmill residue could be turned into renewable diesel
A proposed biorefinery at the Boral Timber Hardwood Sawmill could convert up to 50,000 tonnes of sawmill residue produced each year into renewable diesel and bitumen. [ + ]
Grid-scale battery storage facility launches in NZ
Tesla's Powerpack battery is part of an ambitious project to test the direct integration of battery energy storage with New Zealand's electricity grid. [ + ]
100,000 contact lenses recycled in one year
The Bausch + Lomb Recycling Programme, launched in 2017 to help keep contact lenses, lens cases and blister packs out of landfill, has successfully recycled over 100,000 pieces of lens waste. [ + ]
Used coffee grounds could be turned into coffee cups
A PhD student has developed a method to turn coffee grounds into lactic acid, which can then be used to produce biodegradable plastics for use in disposable coffee cups. [ + ]
Window coverings facility powered by 2000+ solar panels
Luxaflex Window Fashions has revealed a 2080-strong solar panel installation on the roof of its Sydney manufacturing facility. [ + ]
Scania signs MOUs with alternative fuel providers
Commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania Australia has signed memoranda of understanding with Wilmar Bioethanol Australia, Ecotech Biodiesel and the NGV Group. [ + ]
Your old jeans could be turned into artificial cartilage
Old denim jeans are set to find new life as artificial cartilage for joint reconstruction, thanks to advanced textile recycling methods being pioneered at Deakin University. [ + ]
Microwaves and phosphorus to increase solar cell efficiency
Researchers made flakes of phosphorene, a 2D form of phosphorus only a few atoms thick, in the hope of boosting the energy capacity of dye-sensitised solar cells. [ + ]
Councils reinforce concrete with recycled plastic
Australian councils are using recycled polypropylene (PP) plastic waste in the form of 'Emesh' to reinforce concrete pavements and other infrastructure. [ + ]
WA apartment building offers peer-to-peer power trading
A sustainable apartment project in White Gum Valley, Western Australia, enables residents to trade renewable energy with their neighbours. [ + ]