Defence Trailblazer has announced a series of industry-led projects aimed at accelerating clean-energy technologies while strengthening Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector, as part of Defence’s transition to net zero.
In a media release, Defence Trailblazer said the initiatives align with the Australian Government’s target to cut emissions by 62 to 70 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035 and support Defence’s Net Zero Strategy, which outlines a pathway to net zero by 2050.
Three projects backed through the Technology Development & Acceleration portfolio involve Electric Motor Power, Ocius Technology and Praxis, each working with researchers from the University of Adelaide or UNSW to develop low-emissions technologies across robotics, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence.
Electric Motor Power and University of Adelaide researchers are developing high-performance electric motors using advanced magnetic materials to deliver lighter, more efficient systems for Defence applications.
Ocius Technology and UNSW Canberra are partnering to scale manufacturing of the renewable-powered Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessel for the Royal Australian Navy. Praxis, working with the University of Adelaide, is progressing a prototype of a camouflaged photovoltaic solar module designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in remote Defence operations.
“At Defence Trailblazer, we have been consistently impressed by the innovative research being carried out by our industry partners and collaborating academics,” said Dr Margaret Law, General Manager – Technology Development & Acceleration.
“By investing in low-emissions energy technologies, projects like these are ensuring a capable and resilient sovereign supply chain.”
Defence Trailblazer has also highlighted further work underway through its Entrepreneurial Foundations for Defence program, which supports emerging ventures developing renewable and energy-resilient technologies.
The ventures include developers of lightweight nickel-iron batteries, wireless energy systems for drones, autonomous hull-cleaning robots, microturbine generators, off-grid charging solutions, marine maintenance robotics and solar-boosting overlays.
“These case studies showcase the huge technological scope of the projects and ventures,” said Defence Trailblazer Project Manager Richard Williamson.
“Our industry partners are leveraging Defence Trailblazer’s R&D and innovation pathways to fast-track their leading-edge technologies – delivering sovereign capabilities that will improve Defence’s energy resilience and help achieve Net Zero.”
