Uniting the community under one cool roof
29 July, 2012 | Supplied by: BlueScope SteelAs one of the first buildings in Australia to showcase Colorbond Coolmax steel, Hervey Bay Community Centre successfully combines environmentally sustainable design principles and a pleasing aesthetic. Its unique ‘island-like’ structure means the building can be viewed from 360° while also making a statement with its thermal efficiency.
Air compressors for a cleaner world
27 July, 2012 | Supplied by: Kaeser Compressors AustraliaIn view of soaring energy prices and ambitious climate-protection targets, modern industry is experiencing unprecedented pressure to make production processes as efficient as possible. In addition to this, companies also have to maintain and increase their competitive edge, as well as strive to ensure sustained economic success.
Australia to catch the wave and hang ten (per cent, that is)
26 July, 2012A study by CSIRO has found that the waves in the ocean could supply about 10% of Australia’s electricity by 2050. This is equivalent to powering a city the size of Melbourne.
Australian businesses could save thousands on energy bills
26 July, 2012 | Supplied by: Energy ActionA recent survey by energy management company Energy Action revealed that more than 87% of businesses ranked price the most important consideration when selecting their energy retailer. However, the cost of energy itself is only one portion of the overall price that an organisation pays for its energy supply. Typically, energy charges only make up 40-50% of a bill, with the remainder made up of network, environmental and other service-related charges. The tariffs for network charges vary according to the amount of electricity consumed and when it is used.
Over 140,000 New Zealanders demand a clean energy future
26 July, 2012Earlier this week, groups from around New Zealand converged on parliament to deliver a 140,000-plus signature petition, calling on John Key’s government to abandon its fossil fuels agenda in favour of clean energy.
Danfoss ABQM Pressure Independent Balancing and Control Valves (PIBCV)
25 July, 2012 | Supplied by: Devex SystemsDevex Systems has released the ABQM Pressure Independent Balancing and Control Valve (PIBCV), a high-efficiency balancing solution for heating and cooling systems, manufactured by Danfoss.
How-to guide on lighting bring businesses energy savings
24 July, 2012Powering lights is 15-25% of the electricity bill for NSW businesses. That cost can be cut by as much as 82% and a new report from the NSW Government shows businesses how.
Regional community votes 98% in support of solar over gas
23 July, 2012Residents of Port Augusta in South Australia’s ‘Iron Triangle’ have voiced strong support for a proposal that would keep hundreds of power jobs in Port Augusta, and protect people’s health and the environment. This week, 3550 residents voted for solar power in the Repower Port Augusta Community Vote.
National events to highlight carbon capture and storage progress
23 July, 2012With a range of events being planned around Australia, the 2012 National Carbon Capture and Storage Week will highlight major developments supporting the commercialisation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.
Envirovision Enviroview Energy Monitor
20 July, 2012 | Supplied by: EnvirovisionThe Enviroview Energy Monitor is an energy management solution for residential and commercial applications. It accurately monitors electricity, gas and water usage in real time, empowering the user to identify wasteful practices, reduce their carbon footprint and save money.
Overhaul for ageing wastewater infrastruture
18 July, 2012 | Supplied by: Schneider ElectricHunter Water needed to improve the efficiency of its Burwood Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) due to ageing water infrastructure and tougher environmental legislation. The enhancements included migrating the automation control system over a tight eight-week time period, allowing no room for error or plant downtime.
Range anxiety leads electric vehicle infrastructure to step up a gear
16 July, 2012Electric vehicle (EV) drivers suffer from the fear of being stranded, as charging facilities leave a lot to be desired, claims a report by power experts GlobalData. The report suggests that this fear could be mitigated by the further implementation of charging stations, which will hopefully encourage electric vehicle usage.
Wave-energy project to be developed in Victoria
13 July, 2012Wave-energy technology company Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) and global security company Lockheed Martin have entered into a teaming agreement with the goal of developing a 19 MW wave-energy project in Portland, Victoria. It is said to be one of the largest wave-energy projects announced to date and could provide energy to approximately 10,000 homes.
Hybrid power station installed in remote location
12 July, 2012 | Supplied by: Powerbox Australia Pty LtdAEG Power Solutions’ New Caledonian ecopx hybrid power station is now fully operational. The complete integrated solution was part of a contract signed with OPT (Office des Postes &Telecommunications) in New Caledonia last year. It combines solar and wind energy with batteries, and a genset as emergency back-up.
Australian rooftop solar power: down but not out
11 July, 2012Residential solar PV will be around as long as the sun shines, but long-term growth could be constrained by the limits of the electricity network. That’s the conclusion of energy research specialist Energeia, which recently found that the the residential solar PV market is falling 56% in 2012, after growing 58% in 2011.
