Environment

Internationally patented PHA bioplastics meet world-class sustainable packaging design

A powerful partnership between two award-winning industry leaders – EcoPHA, a biotechnology pioneer in PHA bioplastics, and Terra Sol, a design-driven leader in compostable packaging – is setting a new global standard for sustainable materials. By merging scientific breakthroughs with cutting-edge product design, EcoPHA and Terra Sol are delivering truly home-compostable, commercially viable alternatives to fossil-fuel plastics, helping businesses future-proof against environmental regulations and consumer demand for plastic-free solutions. A Scientific & Design Breakthrough: The First PHA from Pongamia Oil Through its globally patented process, EcoPHA has developed the ability to convert non-edible Pongamia oil, derived from the resilient Pongamia tree, into PHA bioplastics, a fully home-compostable, non-toxic alternative to traditional plastics. This game-changing innovation aligns with global sustainability targets, offering industries such as packaging, food service, mining and manufacturing a cost-effective, circular solution for reducing plastic waste. Meanwhile, Terra Sol’s expertise in designing and commercialising sustainable packaging ensures that PHA moves beyond the lab and into practical, scalable applications for businesses worldwide. “EcoPHA’s technology is world-first, but technology alone doesn’t drive change – people do. That’s why our partnership with them is so powerful,” said Louise Sykes, CEO of Terra Sol. “Together, we’re making it easier for businesses to adopt truly sustainable solutions without compromising performance or affordability.” A Game-Changer in Bioplastics & Sustainable Packaging By combining award-winning biotechnology and world-class product design, EcoPHA and Terra Sol deliver the first truly scalable compostable packaging solution that balances sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and real-world usability: -100% Home Compostable (AS 5810 Certified) – Unlike PLA and other industrial bioplastics, PHA breaks down naturally in compost, soil, and marine environments, leaving zero microplastics. -Cost-Effective & Scalable – Terra Sol has designed PHA-based cups, lids, straws, and cutlery for mass adoption, proving that businesses don’t have to choose between affordability and sustainability. -Carbon Credit Potential […]

Allegro Secures U.S. Patent, Cementing Its Global Leadership in Next-Generation Energy Storage

Innovative micro-emulsion electrolyte technology positions Allegro as a frontrunner in the race for long-duration energy storage solution Allegro Energy has been granted a U.S. patent for its cutting-edge micro-emulsion electrolyte technology, further solidifying its position as a global leader in long-duration energy storage. This milestone follows previous patent successes in Europe and several other key markets, showcasing the international significance of Allegro’s breakthrough approach. Allegro’s modular micro-emulsion electrolyte system is a game-changer for the energy storage industry, enabling safer, more cost-effective, and scalable solutions for applications ranging from grid storage to renewable energy integration. By overcoming key limitations of traditional aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes, Allegro’s technology significantly expands the electrochemical stability window, enhancing energy density while maintaining the affordability and safety of water-based systems. “The U.S. patent reinforces Allegro’s ability to deliver a truly global and transformative solution for long-duration energy storage,” said Dr. Thomas Nann, CEO and Co-Founder Allegro Energy. “With energy storage playing a crucial role in the renewable transition, our micro-emulsion platform ensures scalability and adaptability across a range of battery chemistries, from redox flow to advanced ion batteries.” The key advantage of Allegro’s micro-emulsion technology is its ability to dissolve a wider range of electrochemically active species, while maintaining stability at high voltages – previously a major barrier to the adoption of aqueous electrolytes in advanced energy storage. The solution is applicable to multiple battery formats, including lithium-ion, sodium-ion, magnesium-ion, and aluminum-ion batteries, as well as supercapacitors and redox flow batteries. With this latest U.S. patent covering all of Allegro’s intended claims, Allegro Energy is well-positioned to partner with utilities, industrial operators, and battery manufacturers worldwide to drive the future of clean energy storage, and rapidly support the drive to 24/7 carbon-free energy.

Whyalla can be upgraded to green steel and why we need to keep steel production in Australia

Daniel Rossetto, Adjunct, Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources, University of Adelaide Financial challenges at the Whyalla steelworks in South Australia have reignited debate about the nation’s steel industry and its future. Australians should have access to quality steel at competitive prices. The domestic steel production industry employs tens of thousands of people. The state and federal governments have stepped in, however, announcing a A$1.9 billion support package for Whyalla, together with a new $1 billion green iron investment fund. Half of the new fund will be allocated to Whyalla to support its transition to green steel production. That’s a large amount of money for a privately owned business. So, are the new packages going to be money well spent? To answer that question, let’s examine the priorities. A national priority Steel is an industry in which securing sovereign production capability is crucial. Sovereign capability means ensuring an industry can survive external shocks such as interruptions to shipping routes or disputes with other countries in the supply chain. Steel is a vital input for defence industries such as ship and submarine building. What could be said of a country’s autonomy – or its sovereign capability – if it relies on others for the steel needed for its defence? Whyalla is one of the two largest steelworks in Australia, the other being BlueScope’s Port Kembla plant. At least at first glance, the green iron investment fund seems to deal with the sovereign capability criterion well enough. Whyalla appears an ideal candidate. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, and SA Premier Peter Malinauskas visit Whyalla Steelworks in Whyalla last week. Isabella Ward/AAP However, the public subsidy is large. The subsidised plant’s ability to operate in an economically competitive manner needs to be examined. Further, while the Whyalla plant began its life as a supplier to an adjacent shipbuilding operation, […]

Hycel research partnership to deliver fuel cells to the aviation industry

Deakin University’s Hycel and AMSL Aero are pleased to announce a research partnership that will help to deliver higher-performing hydrogen fuel cells for aviation applications. This industry-research partnership exemplifies Deakin’s pivotal role in supporting industry innovations that deliver a more sustainable world. Hycel Director Professor Tiffany Walsh said: ‘Hycel’s role is to support industry to develop, test, scale and adopt hydrogen technologies to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. We do this by providing specialist hydrogen infrastructure, equipment, expertise and research insights that are currently unavailable to Australian industry.’ Hycel Technology Hub, at Deakin’s Warrnambool campus in southwest Victoria, is equipped with high pressure, high flow hydrogen labs, the only hydrogen fuel cell testing equipment of its kind in Australia, and has provision for industry co-location. AMSL Aero is the first industry partner to access commercial testing of fuel cells at Hycel, following the facility’s official opening in October 2024. AMSL Aero’s Senior Project Engineer Simon Coburn said: ‘AMSL Aero’s partnership with Hycel will help to verify fuel cell performance and durability for remote and regional flight applications, which is a key step in the development of Vertiia, Australia’s first passenger-capable, emission-free, long-range hydrogen-powered vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. “Our partnership leverages hydrogen expertise from AMSL’s international fuel cell partner, and combined with AMSL and Hycel personnel, develops cross sector hydrogen expertise for Australia.’ AMSL Aero is a home-grown Australian aerospace company with a clear mission to manufacture an aircraft that will save lives as an air ambulance and emergency response vehicle and quietly revolutionise passenger and cargo transit in remote and regional areas. Vertiia is powered by hydrogen and provides fast, emissions-free air transport. It takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter and uses less energy per seat than a high-speed train. Hycel is Deakin University’s hydrogen hub with […]

Karratha Gas Plant, North West Shelf Project

North West Shelf extension delay another regulatory fail

The Federal Government’s decision to delay its assessment of the North West Shelf extension is a blow to Western Australia’s energy security and another example of how our national environmental laws are failing. Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the North West Shelf project has been powering WA homes and industry for 40 years and will play a critical role in the state’s future energy security and economic prosperity. “After six years of environmental assessment and having secured state government approval, there is simply no justification for further regulatory delays,” Ms McCulloch said. “This is yet another example of the open-ended and uncertain approval processes that are driving away investment and damaging Australia’s reputation as a stable, predictable country to do business. “The extension of the North West Shelf project is needed to ensure reliable and affordable gas supply to Western Australians, with the Australian Energy Market Operator forecasting gas shortfalls in the State from 2030.” WA’s gas industry is a driving force behind the state’s economy, providing 54 per cent of WA’s primary energy and 60 per cent of the state’s electricity. The industry contributes $35 billion a year to the WA economy and supports more than 73,000 jobs in the state. Natural gas also provides more than half the energy used by WA’s mining and minerals processing sector and supports emissions reductions in WA and the region. A recent independent report by EnergyQuest found that without new gas investment, Western Australia would run out of gas for electricity from the early-2030s and its mining and industrial sectors would be left without gas from mid-2030s. “The Federal Government must provide certainty to the millions of WA households and businesses that depend on gas and rule out any further delays to this critical energy security project,” Ms McCulloch […]

NT gas industry welcomes crackdown on activist lawfare

The NT gas industry says the Territory Government’s moves to clamp down on lawfare will boost investment and energy security. Australian Energy Producers NT Director David Slama welcomed the Petroleum, Planning and Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, set to be introduced in Parliament this week, as an important step in stopping activist groups from vexatiously using the legal system to delay critical gas projects in the Territory. “We commend the Territory Government for moving decisively to stamp out activist lawfare putting at risk economic and energy security for Territorians,” Mr Slama said. “At a time when Australians are facing cost-of-living pressures, the Territory Government has recognised the need to remove barriers to new gas supply so Territorians continue to have reliable and affordable energy. “It is not in the public interest for activist lawyers to damage the Territory’s attractiveness as a place to do business and to invest, undermining our economic and energy security.” Mr Slama said activists exploiting the Merits Review process had deterred much-needed investment in the Territory. “A long list of vexatious cases has exposed the extreme tactics of activists who are more interested in delaying projects than genuinely representing the interests of Territory communities,” he said. “Removing the Merits Review process is a significant step towards streamlining approval processes to enable new gas supply to be brought online sooner. “We need to expedite project delivery and improve environmental outcomes.”

$17m Laverton North liquid and hazardous waste management upgrade: World’s best

A $17 million dollar revamp of Evoro’s Laverton North liquid and hazardous waste management facility will transform the operation into one of the world’s best. Upgrade works are underway at the Melbourne site and scheduled for completion by late 2025, following a comprehensive planning and approvals process spanning five years. The improvements will enable Evoro to operate with better versatility across a spectrum of liquid and hazardous waste management services, including: Neutralising acids and alkaline materials for safe disposal or discharge as stormwater. An example is acids used in galvanising processes to manufacture corrosion resistant products; Processing wastewater for safe discharge as stormwater. An example is wastewater resulting from industrial plant wash-downs; Separating and purifying water from oil. An example is workshop ‘oily water’ (water mixed with oils and other lubricants). Recovered oil can be reused as an industrial fuel source; Purifying waste glycol (antifreeze) for reuse; Processing hard-to-treat liquids such as Hydrogen Fluoride and waters containing PFAS for safe disposal or reuse. The result will be improved efficiency, more flexibility for clients and better environmental outcomes. New weighbridges and enhanced truck unloading processes to improve customer experience will be central to the upgrades. Evoro Chief Executive Officer Susan McBurney said the investment would incorporate leading global technology and practice. “This is a sweeping site overhaul enabling us to modernise operations to world-class standard,” McBurney said. “Our clients from multiple industrial sectors will reap the benefits of better efficiency, cost effectiveness and service. “Much of what we’re doing is a response to client feedback, and in line with strict regulatory requirements.” Evoro Victorian General Manager Jenny Barnes emphasised the environmental benefits. “Our forte at Laverton North is handling difficult-to-treat industrial waste, giving it a second life through recycling or preparing it for safe disposal,” Barnes said. “It’s a […]

State approval for North West Shelf extension a key step to energy security

Australian Energy Producers welcomes the Western Australian Government providing environmental approval for the North West Shelf Project Extension. “The North West Shelf project is critical to providing energy security and emissions reductions to the state and region – through long-term gas supply to Western Australian households and businesses and supporting WA’s key trading partners,” Australia Energy Producers WA Director Caroline Cherry said. “The North West Shelf Project continues to be a truly nation-building project. For more than four decades, it has been a major contributor to Australia, providing more than $40 billion in royalties and excise alongside significant employment and business opportunities in the region.” “The approval recognises the increasingly urgent need for new gas supply in Western Australia to ensure households and businesses continue to have reliable and affordable energy.” “More gas will be needed to serve rising demand supporting renewables in electricity generation as coal is phased out while underpinning the economic benefits produced by the mining sector as a key power source.” Ms Cherry said the state government approval now triggers recommencement of the Federal Government’s environmental approval process. “The Federal Government must recognise the need to bring on more gas supply sooner, while providing certainty to a project that delivers wide-ranging benefits to Australia, Western Australia and regional trading partners,” Ms Cherry said. A recent independent report by EnergyQuest found that without new gas investment, Western Australia would run out of gas for electricity – which accounts for 60 per cent of the state’s power – from the early-2030s and its mining and industrial sectors would be left without gas from mid-2030s.

MGA Thermal selected by Chevron for innovative clean steam solution study

Clean energy innovator to conduct Front-End Engineering Design study for global energy leader MGA Thermal, a leading innovator in clean energy solutions, today announced its selection by Chevron to conduct an initial engineering and design study for an innovative clean steam solution. This study marks a significant milestone for MGA Thermal and underscores the growing importance of decarbonisation technologies in the energy sector. The study focuses on the application of MGA Thermal’s clean steam solution on a 5MWh trial unit designed for a Chevron site. “Collaborating with Chevron represents a big milestone for MGA Thermal and advances our mission to decarbonise industrial heat on a global scale,” said Mark Croudace, CEO of MGA Thermal. MGA Thermal’s innovative technology uses input variable renewable energy to generate process-grade steam on demand, enabling a 24/7 supply of reliable industrial heat at scale. MGA Thermal’s TES system can deliver steam at temperatures ranging from 150°C to over 550°C. This effectively firms variable renewable generation without the need for cost-prohibitive batteries, aligning perfectly with the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in heavy industries. The study will be concluded by the end of 2024, with Anacapa serving as the appointed owner’s engineer and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) partner. “This study with Chevron represents a significant opportunity to demonstrate the real-world impact of our technology,” said Dr. Alex Post, CTO of MGA Thermal. “We’re confident that our clean steam solution will play a crucial role in helping industry leaders meet their ambitious decarbonisation goals.” “At Chevron, we’re committed to delivering affordable, reliable, and ever-cleaner energy. Our collaboration with MGA Thermal is just one example of the forward-thinking required to deliver on our strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our operations and advance new solutions for major industries,” commented Luc Huyse, Manager, Operations and Facilities […]

Australian businesses can learn about circularity from Europe’s new product eco-design rules

Ross Thompson, Greenbox In the face of climate change, governments and businesses are either pushing or being inevitably pulled to reset their strategies, practices and systems from linear to circular. Legislation and regulations, along with certifications, are a key lever for this mega trend. Mandatory climate-related financial disclosure for big business in Australia and other jurisdictions are just the start of changing times. Keeping household and business products and materials in use is one part of the circular picture, and countries at the forefront of circularity are creating regulatory frameworks that design waste and pollution out of the system. Europe is at the leading edge of this seismic shift. The region provides an indication of what Australian companies might expect ahead and indeed will soon be impacted by when exporting. Let’s consider some notable features and implications of Europe’s new product eco-design rules, which came into force in July 2024: Sustainable products becoming the rule, not the exception The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulations (ESPR) are a framework for setting ecodesign requirements on specific product groups (almost all physical products) – implemented gradually over time based on prioritisation. Priority products range from steel and textiles to tyres, detergents and ICT products and other electronics. These rules will be developed based on scientific evidence, economic analysis and stakeholder consultation. The aim is to improve circularity, energy performance and other sustainability aspects of products placed on the EU market. This regulation brings in rules for a broader range of products and more expansive rules as appropriate. Towards a circular economy, it’s about better durability, reusability, upgradability, reparability, recycling, resource efficiency, carbon footprint and information transparency. Scanning products for sustainability, stop destroying unsold products, and ‘Green Public Procurement’ Novel measures in the ESPR are a ‘Digital Product Passport’, rules to address the destruction […]

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