University researchers and BlueScope partner to pioneer new solar technology

The University of Wollongong and BlueScope Steel have joined forces with Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute, one of the world’s leading renewable energy and sustainable building research organisations, in a new solar technology research and demonstration project with the support of $477,000 from the Australian Solar Institute.

Cogeneration technology set to power urban district energy project in Melbourne

One 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.

Harnessing nature’s solar cells

Photovoltaic panels made from plant material could become a cheap, easy alternative to traditional solar cells. David L Chandler, MIT News Office

Carbon capture technology moves a step closer

This week, CSIRO will release its latest findings to the government on carbon dioxide capture technology, following a four-year $21 million research program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from Australian coal-fired power stations.

Current coal seam gas approach not covering risks

Australia 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.

SMA Sunny Central solar inverters

Extreme environments make extreme demands on solar technologies. SMA’s range of Sunny Central inverters has been developed to withstand the negative effects of weathering.

Partnership for greenhouse gas analyser

The University of Wollongong (UOW) and Ecotech, a company which specialises in environmental monitoring instruments, have announced a partnership to manufacture and distribute a comprehensive greenhouse gas analyser to worldwide markets.

Azelite Azsence 6 and 8″ dimmable recessed downlights

The Azelite Azsence 6 and 8″ dimmable recessed downlights are a suitable replacement for conventional PLC and PLT downlights (compact fluorescent downlights).

Fluke 430 Series II three-phase power quality analysers

The Fluke 430 Series II three-phase power quality analysers are designed to directly measure and calculate the cost of energy wasted in electrical systems due to power quality issues.The tools use a patented algorithm to measure energy waste and quantify its cost.

sustainableIT now offers Efficient IT solutions from 1E to Australasian organisations

Solar cell turns windows into generators

Imagine a world where the windows of high-rise office buildings are powerful energy producers. It might sound strange, but for the past four years, a team of researchers from Flinders University has been working to make the idea of solar-powered windows a reality - and they may have succeeded.

REC solar modules rated as global best performers in 2011

Photon Laboratory, which conducts the most recognised field performance test in the world, has announced that REC solar modules ranked first in the module field performance test during 2011.

Aussie green jobs hit a record high. So do carbon emissions.

The pursuit of green-collar jobs - employment that contributes to protecting the environment and reducing humanity’s carbon footprint - is a key social and economic driver here in Australia. Currently, green job ads are at an all-time high. But as carbon emissions and temperatures continue to rise, we must continue looking for new ways in which to reach a green future.

Global emissions surge back after GFC

A recent spike in worldwide carbon emissions growth was caused by the rebound from the global financial crisis (GFC) and is likely to be a one-off, according to a study from the Australian National University (ANU).

Mallee biomass farm tour impresses aviation industry leaders

Representatives from Airbus, GE Australia and Virgin Australia have been shown firsthand the progress being made to develop a viable biomass industry in regional Australia.