The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is partnering with the University of Newcastle to develop a research and commercialization initiative to help Australia move to sustainable recycling and clean energy systems and solutions.
The research project, which also includes 27 industry partners, is part of the Federal Trailblazer program, which aims to focus Australia’s research capabilities on manufacturing priorities through collaboration between governments, universities and industries. is.
Federal funding of $ 50 million (US $ 34.4 million) is consistent with similar amounts from UNSW and Newcastle University, and industry partners have promised more than $ 130 million in donations.
UNSW Vice President and President Attila Brungs said he was honored to lead the country’s efforts in the commercialization of research to support Australian manufacturing.
“UNSW has a solid track record of commercializing research, including solar panels, energy storage, Green Steel, the 2022 NSW Australian of the Year, and various microfactory technologies led by ARC award-winning Professor Veena Sahajwalla.” He said.
“We look forward to working with our partners on the Trailblazer program to further change the outlook for recycling and clean energy innovation.”
Research priorities include electrification, energy systems, and storage. Sustainable fuel and chemical production; next-generation photovoltaics and systems. And recycling and micro factory.
According to future industry advisors, FutureBridge, a MICROfactorie (or microfactory), is “a small to medium-sized, highly automated, technically advanced manufacturing setup. A large replica of such a setup. You can scale up the output by doing this. ”
High-tech automation processes require these factories to require less energy, materials and labor than regular factories.
In addition, the MICROfactorie concept leads to miniaturization of production equipment and systems according to product dimensions.
UNSW Vice-President, Research and Enterprise, Professor Nicholas Fisk, said the Trail Blazer Program for Recycling and Clean Energy aims to commercialize at least 63 products, contributing to Net Zero by 20250. He said he would bring important new skills to high goals. We value the labor force of the manufacturing industry.
“Our projects, partnerships and investments under this initiative will accelerate 10 years of change in just 4 years and create a legacy of industry-academia collaboration,” he said.
Meanwhile, Professor Alex Zelinsky, vice president of Newcastle University, said the partnership will combine the power of the two universities to accelerate Australia’s clean energy and recycling industry and bring more environmentally friendly technologies to Australians. I did.
“This program provides a focused opportunity for university staff and students to succeed, providing a way for universities to prioritize, teach and reward technology preparation, commercialization and industry-led research. It will change, “he said.
This is the third Trailblazer program launched so far. Others are pioneers in resource technology and key minerals and pioneers in defense, with pioneers in space, food, beverages and medical products in the pipeline.
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Steve is a Sydney-based Australian reporter with sports, arts and politics. He is an experienced English teacher, a qualified nutritionist, a sports enthusiast, and an amateur musician. Contact him at [email protected]