Energy

Victorian manufacturers are shifting from gas to electric technologies, backed by a $10 million state government grant program through the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

Vast Renewables Limited, a renewable energy company utilising concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) systems, has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with global energy company Mabanaft to propel Solar Methanol 1 (SM1), a CSP-powered green methanol reference plant, forward.

Engineers Australia, through its training arm Engineering Education Australia (EEA) and in collaboration with Deakin University, announced the launch of a new suite of hydrogen energy micro-credentials aimed at addressing the critical skills shortage in the hydrogen and engineering sectors. 

A new global study by engineers at UNSW Sydney has highlighted potential challenges for the manufacturing of next-generation solar panels, showing that ultraviolet (UV) radiation could reduce panel lifespans by up to 10 years in some regions.

UGL, a subsidiary of CIMIC Group, has been granted a five-year contract with Power Network Services (PNS), a partnership between CitiPower and Powercor Australia.

The Australian Government has opened a consultation to gather feedback on domestic manufacturing opportunities for wind and transmission infrastructure, as it examines how to build a competitive, viable and resilient manufacturing sector for wind and transmission towers in Australia.

Australian companies are increasingly looking to the use of digital and electrified technologies, from artificial intelligence to electric vehicles, to promote sustainability and combat the climate crisis, according to Schneider Electric's newly released Sustainability Index 2023 report.

Australian manufacturers are facing a perfect storm of energy challenges, with most regions in the country experiencing a surge in power prices in the second quarter of 2024. This price volatility comes at a critical time when the global manufacturing landscape is increasingly prioritising sustainability and energy efficiency as key factors in competitiveness.

Community batteries are increasingly vital for Australia's renewable energy transition, with a likelihood of more installations as the country accelerates its shift, according to Steve Bell, managing director of Clean Tech Controls.

The Western Australian Government has unveiled its updated Battery and Critical Minerals Strategy, positioning the state to become a leading global player in the downstream processing of critical minerals.