Electric future for cars
21 June, 2012 by Alice RichardNissan invited Sustainability Matters to test drive the Nissan LEAF - its purpose-built, all-electric car, which is now on sale in Australia.
Climate change expert: Australia will go nuclear by 2030
05 June, 2012A University of Adelaide scientist believes it is inevitable that Australia will become a user of the world’s most advanced nuclear power technology, if the country is serious about cutting carbon emissions.
Renewables set to defy M&A downturn - but is Australia ready?
29 May, 2012Private equity and infrastructure funds are preparing to fly in the face of the downturn and kickstart an increase in deal activity in the renewable energy sector over the next 18 months, according to ‘Green Power: 2012’, KPMG’s annual survey of global renewable energy mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
Choice in green car for the future
16 May, 2012 by Carolyn JacksonSustainability in the automotive industry is not just about producing small electrical vehicles, it’s about providing a choice of vehicles in all shapes and sizes that are environmentally sound.
Geothermal pilot heats up
01 May, 2012Geothermal experts from the University of Melbourne are working with Department of Primary Industries to demonstrate the efficiency of a form of renewable energy that will play an important role in the energy mix of Victoria’s Future.
Qantas receives grant to help biofuels take off
29 April, 2012At the recent departure of Qantas’s first flight powered using a 50/50 blend of biofuel and regular jet fuel, the federal government announced it will help fund a study into the sustainable production and commercialisation of aviation biofuels in Australia.
$11m macro algae biofuels project in development
03 April, 2012Industrial waste emissions innovator MBD Energy has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of a $5 million grant to James Cook University (JCU) to help develop a macroalgae to biocrude oil project.
Cogeneration technology set to power urban district energy project in Melbourne
30 March, 2012One of GE Energy’s natural gas-fired Jenbacher gas engines will be powering a cogeneration plant that will provide electricity and thermal energy for a major urban revitalisation initiative in Dandenong, Victoria. Built by Cogent Energy, the plant will play a pivotal role in the VicUrban-led Revitalising Central Dandenong (RCD) initiative that is rejuvenating the south-east region of Melbourne.
Current coal seam gas approach not covering risks
28 March, 2012Australia would greatly benefit from a ‘slow down and learn approach’ to managing possible risks from coal seam gas (CSG) extraction given the near impossible challenge of modelling its impacts, argues Professor Alan Randall from the University of Sydney.
Fission for a safe new energy source
14 March, 2012Nuclear energy is the only viable non-carbon-based energy source for the future, despite the recent nuclear accident in Japan, according to a James Cook University (JCU) professor.
Mallee biomass farm tour impresses aviation industry leaders
14 March, 2012Representatives from Airbus, GE Australia and Virgin Australia have been shown firsthand the progress being made to develop a viable biomass industry in regional Australia.
Using sunlight to split water
09 March, 2012University of Wollongong scientists are behind the establishment of a global consortium which is using sunlight to convert water into important chemical fuels such as hydrogen gas. The research promises a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by reducing CO2 from fossil fuel use.
Emulsion fuel technology on trial
09 February, 2012Alternative Petroleum Technology (APT), an American company, has partnered with New Zealand-based company Blended Fuel Solutions and recently taken up residence at the Clean Technology Centre in Otaki. The New Zealand branch of APT is introducing a range of emulsified fuel technologies which could help to reduce fuel consumption, increase engine efficiency and reduce noxious tailpipe emissions and greenhouse gases.
International energy research institute launched at Curtin
09 February, 2012The Honourable Martin Ferguson AM MP, Federal Minister for Resources and Energy, has launched Curtin University’s Fuels and Energy Technology Institute (FETI) at Technology Park, Bentley. FETI will carry out fundamental research and technology development to provide solutions to the energy and environmental issues facing Australia.
Siemens electric eChopper motorcycle propels leading-edge technology
02 February, 2012Siemens Australia has presented a fully electrified high-performance motorcycle, the eChopper, to Australia at the Pacific 2012 Maritime Exposition in Sydney.
