Energy

Women breaking down barriers in engineering

Engineering has long been a male-dominated field, but in recent years, women have been breaking down barriers and making significant contributions to the industry. Australian owned and operated Humiscope, who specialise in controlling indoor environments through energy-efficient solutions, is one example of this progress. However, despite the increasing number of women joining the engineering industry, there is still a significant gender gap. According to the latest statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, only 14% of engineers in Australia are women. This is a concerning figure, particularly when compared to the number of women studying engineering at university. In 2020, 22% of bachelor\’s degree students in engineering were women, which suggests that there is a significant drop-off in the number of women pursuing engineering careers after graduation. There are several reasons for this disparity. One factor is the lack of female role models in the industry. When young women don’t see themselves represented in the field, they may be less likely to consider engineering as a career. Another is that many people are unaware of the myriad industries in which engineering can be applied and the diverse avenues that can be undertaken when studying engineering. In celebration of World Engineering Day, Humiscope champions the importance of recognising women in the field of engineering and wants to showcase the three female engineers on its team. Ladan Bage, a mechanical engineer with a Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering, works on several large projects for Humiscope. Ladan offers practical mechanical designs while always considering a client’s requirements. She specialises in drafting, documentation, mechanical design, reverse engineering, manufacturing, and its supervision. Ladan works closely with Paula Andrea Gil who is a drafts(wo)men, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Drafting and Design and over six years’ hands-on experience. Highly skilled in BIM modelling, Paula […]

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New process extracts silicon from solar panels to build better batteries

Researchers have developed a sustainable and highly lucrative way to address two big issues in the clean energy transition, reclaiming one of the most valuable elements from end-of-life solar panels and reconfiguring it to build better batteries. More than 100,000 tonnes of end-of-life solar panels are estimated to enter Australia’s waste stream by 2035. Scientists from Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) have successfully tested a new process that can safely and effectively extract silicon from old solar panels, then convert it into a nano material worth more than $45,000 per kilo. This nano-silicon is then mixed with graphite to develop a new type of battery anode shown to increase lithium-ion battery capacity by a factor of 10, a critical breakthrough in energy storage technology. Lead researcher Dr Md Mokhlesur Rahman said that for Australia (and the world) to address the enormous issue of solar panel waste and develop a successful recycling program to divert it away from landfill, scientists must find a way to harvest and repurpose the panels’ most valuable components. “Solar panel cells are fabricated using high-value silicon, but this material cannot be re-used without purification, as it becomes highly contaminated over the 25 to 30 years of the panel’s life,” Dr Rahman said. “We have developed a process that returns silicon collected from used cells to greater than 99 per cent purity, within a day and without the need for dangerous chemicals. This thermal and chemical process is far greener, cheaper, and more efficient than any other technique currently on the market.” But it’s the next step that’s the real game-changer. The Deakin process then takes this regular-sized purified silicon and reduces its size to nanoscale using a special ball-milling process. Again, without the need for toxic chemicals. “We are using that nano-silicon to develop […]

Pivotal moment for Australia’s energy future

The Australian Energy Market Commission’s proposal for a 100 percent rollout of smart meters by 2030 is an opportunity for Australia to “build it right” the first time. Philip Crosby was a legendary businessman and management specialist who said it is less expensive to do it right the first time than to pay for rework. His words still ring true today. The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has embarked on a plan to deliver a more efficient and lower-cost energy system. The Commission believes that smart meters are vital to achieving this goal as they will meet the country’s decarbonisation goals while also building an energy system that will support emerging technologies and services. In November 2022, AEMC released its Review of regulatory framework for metering services. The Commission is proposing a 100 percent uptake of smart meters by 2030 in National Electricity Market (NEM) jurisdictions – a laudable and achievable target. And here, Crosby’s words are particularly relevant. By making intelligent decisions today, Australia has the opportunity to build an efficient and effective energy monitoring and management system – and build it right the first time, without expensive and avoidable rework down the line. It’s time for real time The electricity meter can be the heart of an efficient and effective energy strategy. “Intelligent meters can deliver critical benefits to consumers, grid operators, and energy retailers while future-proofing investments,” says Michael Jary, Managing Director International, Sense. “A smart meter can also improve customer engagement and satisfaction, but crucial to achieving these goals is real-time and detailed device detection, consumption insights, and in-home intelligence,” says Jary. The Commission advocates forming partnerships with new entrants to provide specialised and unique data services and Sense is one of those exciting companies in the intelligent meter space. Sense has developed novel technology that […]

Australia must plan for massive renewables growth to unlock future manufacturing boom

Perth, Western Australia: The Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) has welcomed the Federal Government’s National Reconstruction Fund amid a renewed focus on domestic manufacturing capabilities but says low-cost renewable energy and hydrogen hold the key to future Australian manufacturing. AHC CEO Dr Fiona Simon will tell over 600 delegates at the Australian Hydrogen Conference in Perth that a national approach to building renewables and other vital infrastructure to produce and use hydrogen is critical if Australia is to gain a competitive advantage in the global energy transition. “This is a long-term play and Australia sits in a prime position to take advantage of the opportunities. But we need a nationally integrated policy that looks to the long term to incentivise domestic manufacturing and open up export markets. “Becoming a ‘renewable energy superpower’ will boost Australian manufacturing in the long-term, providing an economic and national security benefit. Not only can we export hydrogen, we can use it to manufacture direct reduced iron, alumina and fertiliser, both to decarbonise domestic use and to export to other nations. “Economics will favour countries that can transition quickly to low-cost renewables to enable onshore processing and manufacturing for exports. And politics will favour countries like ours that are trusted trading partners, with shared democratic values,” Dr Simon said. “This conference is the key meeting place for Australia’s hydrogen industry and Perth is a strong location given the WA Government’s vision to be a significant producer, exporter and user of hydrogen,” added Dr Simon. Hydrogen industry leaders speaking at the conference include: The Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLC, Minister for Regional Development; Agriculture and Food; Hydrogen Industry, Western Australian Government The Hon Steven Miles MP, Deputy Premier of Queensland, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Queensland Government Till Mansmann, Innovation Commissioner for Green Hydrogen at […]

Decarbonise while you Digitalise

Nathan Knight, Hitachi Vantara’s Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, makes the case for a coordinated approach to decarbonisation and digitalisation. Imagine that manufacturers have a character on each shoulder, one with the word PROGRESS emblazoned across its chest, and the other, SUSTAINABILITY. When deciding where to invest precious resources like time, expertise and money, they can feel like two competing priorities. “Pick me,” says Progress. “More digital services, more automation, more cloud, more diversification, more data analytics, more!” The other voice pleads, “But what about me? You have to consider the planet, responsible resource management, diversification of your staff and your supply chain. You have to reduce your emissions.” Sustainability’s voice is getting louder and more insistent. In the pursuit of digitalisation in the name of progress and competitive edge, the two do not have to be at odds with one another. In fact digitalisation is a powerful tool that can help manufacturers achieve the critical sustainability goal of decarbonisation. Many Eyes on the Manufacturing Sector Australia strengthened emissions reduction targets with the goal of net zero by 2050. According to Grattan Institute, decarbonising Australian industry is an “industrial revolution against a deadline” and the scale and pace of change required is unprecedented. The think tank has called for government policy change, stricter emissions limits and a focus on decarbonising heavy manufacturing and mining, which reportedly produce a third of Australia’s carbon emissions. The heavy industry sector collaborated with decarbonisation experts to form the Australian Industry Energy Transitions Initiative (ETI), which says that regional Australia’s industrial economy could cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80% and become centres for multibillion-dollar investments in renewable energy. It would take an unprecedented transformation of the energy system, they say. Acknowledging that the agriculture, mining, manufacturing, data centre and other sectors […]

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Keeping blackouts at bay

On June 15 this year, Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) suspended trading across the country’s east coast electricity power network as it faced an increasingly volatile situation. AEMO was set up in 2009 and this is the first time the operator took such drastic action across the entire network that it manages. There has been much debate and discussion on the causes ranging from the onset of winter to the war in Ukraine and maintenance shutdowns at power stations. While policy makers, regulators and power generators grapple with the situation, consumers are being asked to better manage their consumption. The conversation is evolving from generating more energy to better managing the energy we produce. With domestic consumption, energy transmission terminates at the premises of the end consumer. In the current situation, a lot is being asked of this often-neglected group. They are being requested to reduce consumption by shutting down appliances in certain times or use them outside peak periods. Customers have also been warned about potential blackouts. Current policies around demand management are focused on industrial plants and other large energy consumers, and these are governed by clear policies and processes. Consumers meanwhile are bracing themselves for energy price hikes and power cuts. Fortunately, technology has advanced and, when implemented, can give consumers more visibility and control over their energy usage. A good example is Sense, which has developed AI that runs on smart meters. Over two million Sense-enabled meters have been announced in the US and this technology is now coming to Australia. Their machine-learning algorithms can assess domestic electricity right down to the appliance level in real time. According to a directions paper released by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), only 25 per cent of premises in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT […]

RS PRO launches energy efficiency products for manufacturers

RS is again expanding its Australasian RS PRO range with the addition of products that deliver improved energy saving and efficiency. Due to the popularity of these products they are being fast-tracked to market and will launch in September. The product range is tailored to reduce energy consumption from building facilities and the production line, from solar panel solutions, smart lighting options and high-efficiency power supplies. “We’re helping our customers embrace energy efficiency with the RS Pro brand,” says Scott Philbrook, Managing Director RS ANZ. “Both production line and facilities products are part of this launch. From energy meters, power supplies and lighting right down to PPE and Tool Kits that deliver improved energy savings and efficiency are included.” Each RS PRO product is backed by the RS Seal of Approval, which represents industry standards for audit, inspection, test, and certification. This, combined with longer than average warranties reflects RS Components confidence in the quality and longevity of their products. According to Scott, the expansion in the range is meeting demand in the market for affordable options for engineers looking for a choice. “Every corner of the manufacturing environment is being pressured by energy costs and this is an opportunity for our customers to have variety in their product selection,” he explained. RS has supreme confidence in the RS PRO brand and has invested heavily in expanding these product ranges and anticipates a favourable response and uptake in both the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Victorian opposition recognises gas for cleaner energy future

Australia’s oil and gas industry has noted the return of a balanced discussion about Victorian energy policy, with recognition from the State Opposition that natural gas is central to the cleaner energy future. The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) today said Opposition Leader Matthew Guy’s pledge to end natural gas bans and use the energy source to replace coal and partner with renewables on the road to net zero was a sensible position backed by experts. APPEA Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said: “This position understands the fundamental energy system changes occurring globally – with natural gas widely acknowledged to have a central, and even wider, role in the future energy mix than it does today. “Natural gas will replace higher emitting coal and firm renewable power generation, support manufacturing, help make everyday products as well as act as a feedstock for hydrogen. “As the Federal Government’s special adviser on low emissions technology, former chief scientist Dr Alan Finkel, said recently, gas can even speed up the journey to a cleaner energy future.” Ms McCulloch said Mr Guy had called out the untenable position of Victoria relying heavily on coal-powered electricity while having minimal onshore gas production because of a decade of development bans, which have deprived Victorians of the cheapest gas available to them. “Victorians currently pay $2 extra for every gigajoule of gas to be transported from Queensland under this policy, which ignores the fundamental rule that the cheapest gas is the gas produced closest to the customer,” she said. “The industry has announced over $20 billion of new supply investments over the past two years. But little of that has been in Victoria because of a decade of uncertainty, moratoriums and bans. We need certainty and the investment policy settings to be right. “As well as […]

Clean energy conference to tackle renewables, hydrogen

Global companies will gather in South Australia later this year to discuss how industry can transition to clean energy. Future Energy Week will bring about 400 delegates from national and international companies, governments and academia for the event in November. It’s the second year the Tonsley Future Energy Consortium has hosted the event, which is hosted at the Tonsley Innovation Hub in Adelaide, South Australia. On the table for discussion are topics around hydrogen energy, the future of mobility, food, energy and water and the “energy trilemma”, which refers to making energy affordable, sustainable and reliable. The Tonsley Innovation Hub is a 6.1-hectare site in Adelaide’s inner south that houses a wide range of companies wanting to rethink the traditional thinking around manufacturing. The energy consortium formed four years ago and comprises industry, government and education sectors to promote collaboration. The two-day event will involve keynote speeches and some panel and workshop sessions to allow delegates to collaborate. Engineering companies with national and international footprints, such as SAGE Automation and AZZO, will be represented at the forum. Founder and event director Quentin Roberts said Future Energy Week is not just another “talkfest”. Roberts said it was an opportunity for companies big and small to discuss some of the challenges facing the energy sector. Last year, Secretary General of the World Energy Council, Dr Angela Wilkinson, made a keynote address, and Roberts hopes the global forum will again take part. “They can get involved in helping to shape the future as well,” Roberts said. “We need that transition to clean energy to happen sooner rather than later, and this is really like a catalyst for that action to occur. “It’s important to create these spaces to have the dialogue because there might be challenges we need to try and meet, but […]

Clean H2 Steam for Australia

North America based Jericho Energy Ventures Inc. and Australia’s LINE Hydrogen (Australia) Pty Ltd (LINE Hydrogen) are bringing to Australia leading hydrogen boiler technology, DCC Boiler. Hydrogen Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of JEV, has patented a breakthrough method for burning hydrogen and oxygen in a vacuum chamber to create high-temperature water and steam with zero greenhouse gases. With the only by-product being water, the Dynamic Combustion Chamber Boiler (DCC Boiler) harnesses the power of hydrogen for commercial heating, hot water and industrial steam boiler applications. In an Australian first, LINE Hydrogen and JEV will collaborate to bring DCC Boilers to Australia. LINE Hydrogen will also provide JEV and customers with a priority supply of green hydrogen and look to enter into Offtake Agreements for the supply of LINE Hydrogen’s green hydrogen produced at the George Town Green Hydrogen Plant. It is expected that industry partners will be announced in the coming months with the first DCC Boiler expected to be installed and commissioned in Tasmania in 2023 to match LINE Hydrogen’s green hydrogen production. Brian Williamson, CEO of JEV, said “Change starts with the end-user, and our zero-emission DCC Boiler delivers immediate emission reductions that is the catalyst for decarbonisation hubs. “We’re incredibly excited to work with LINE Hydrogen as we continue to transition to a clean energy future. By partnering up with LINE Hydrogen, we can provide end-users with surety of supply to make the transition to clean energy a win-win.” Each DCC Boiler installed removes the CO2 equivalent of 2,500 cars per annum (or about 4,400 tons of CO2 per annum). The parties will build a consortium of end users. LINE Hydrogen will also investigate advanced manufacturing opportunities to manufacture the DCC Boiler in either Tasmania or elsewhere in Australia. LINE Hydrogen’s Managing Director, Gina Bozinovski, said […]

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