Environment

A wicking good idea for water conservation in the garden

A Gold Coast garden and agricultural specialist has just sold its innovative water saving system to the United Arab Emirates in its quest to help transform deserts into thriving market gardens. The Aqualess deal with the Middle East using WaterUp wicking cells, designed and manufactured in Australia, is the latest coup for the Gold Coast company and its revolutionary system. The Aqualess system grows produce using 80 per cent less water than traditional horticulture and cuts agricultural watering times by as much as 90 per cent. Aqualess owner Paul Jones said the Woongoolba-based business had only been operating from the Gold Coast for the past 12 months but was part of a new wave of water-saving agricultural methods in high demand globally. “It’s a revolutionary thing happening all around the world. This is something that allows people to start green deserts and remote areas,” Jones said. “For example, if you were watering your garden vegetables, you’d have to water them every second day pretty much, but you can leave this for weeks. “Your garden is getting moistened from beneath so it’s better than from above. It encourages plant growth, and you get much bigger and better crops for a fraction of the time you would have to normally spend watering a garden.” The WaterUp wicking cells made by Gold Coast company Aqualess. Aqualess spokesperson Rosemary Charles said the system turned wicking on its head, using recycled products to ensure that water and air were underneath the plant to provide a consistent amount of water to a plant for quick, consistent growing and nutrient-dense produce. “We’ve only been seriously in the market up here for around 12 months. Already we are exporting to Canada and Iran and now the Middle East,” Charles said. “There are so many uses for it, rooftop […]

Tyre ban starts 1 December

Australia’s ban on the export of whole baled waste tyres begins on 1 December and exporters requiring a licence to continue to export tyres overseas are encouraged to apply now. The export of waste tyres is banned except for: tyres that have been processed into crumbs, buffings, granules or shreds tyres that have been processed into fuel tyres exported for re-treading tyres that will be re-used on vehicles overseas. Acting Deputy Secretary, Environment Reforms, James Tregurtha, said that these types of tyres can be exported, but only when exporters are able to satisfy the requirements of the new regulation. “The Department does have strict criteria that apply to every export licence. “When tyres are exported for re-treading or reuse, suppliers must have evidence of a commercial relationship with an importer or with a verified re-treading facility. “All exporters must also pass a fit and proper person test and declare each consignment to the Department and Australian Border Force,” Mr Tregurtha said. Australia’s waste export ban is world-leading with Australia the only country to have banned the export of its unprocessed waste. Australia has already banned the export of unprocessed glass and mixed plastics. Unprocessed single polymer plastics to be banned from 1 July 2022; and paper and cardboard banned from 1 July 2024.Exporters wishing to apply for a licence should go to https://rawr.awe.gov.au/

Australian Hydrogen Council welcomes CEFC funding for hydrogen vehicles

The Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) has welcomed the landmark investment by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) of up to $12.5 million to help Queensland-based AHC member Ark Energy Corporation to produce green hydrogen to power fuel cell electric trucks. Dr Fiona Simon, CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) says “We are delighted to see this funding from the CEFC through the Advancing Hydrogen Fund to support hydrogen production, refuelling infrastructure and five zero emissions trucks. “Queensland has chased the hydrogen opportunity with gusto, and this is just another example of Queensland delivering on its ambition to develop a world-leading hydrogen industry. “In the AHC’s recent whitepaper, we called for a Net Zero Fund to assist specific applications that are more dependent on hydrogen for decarbonisation like heavy transport. “The Australian Hydrogen Council sees the trials of hydrogen fuel cell buses and trucks as an immediate priority, given the need to procure vehicles. “We have an enormous opportunity in Australia to create a vibrant hydrogen industry, both for domestic use and export but taking up hydrogen won’t happen without buy-in, funding, co-ordination and the right policy settings from governments. “An acceleration of government policy can get the nation to net zero faster, and it can leverage the incredible resources already being invested by other states and corporations. “ “In the AHC’s recent whitepaper, we called for a Net Zero Fund to assist specific applications that are more dependent on hydrogen for decarbonisation like heavy transport. “The Australian Hydrogen Council sees the trials of hydrogen fuel cell buses and trucks as an immediate priority, given the need to procure vehicles. “We have an enormous opportunity in Australia to create a vibrant hydrogen industry, both for domestic use and export but taking up hydrogen won’t happen without buy-in, funding, co-ordination and […]

A global energy crisis? What happened?

Far from emerging from the Covid shock awash with fuel, as might be expected after an economic slowdown, the world is entering a new energy crisis the like of which hasn’t been seen since the 1970s. European and Asian gas prices are at an all-time high, the oil price is at a three-year high, and the price of coal is soaring on the back of energy shortages across China, India and Germany. The surge in demand is being driven mostly by recovering economies and anticipated extreme weather across Europe and north-east Asia. China is stockpiling domestic coal and gas reserves, and Russia is reluctant to supply gas to Western Europe. Closer to home, Australia’s gas prices are soaring, but might soon plummet. Petrol pandemonium In Britain, a shortage of the truck drivers who move fuel has led to panic-buying amid fears of a shortage. After Brexit, many European truck drivers went back to their home countries and never returned. Compounding Britain’s problem was its so-called “windless summer” in which renewable power production was much lower than normal. This put a significant strain on electricity generation as around 40% of its power is produced by wind. Britain has transitioned away from coal as an electricity source and with low emergency supplies will find it difficult to suddenly switch back to coal. Prime Minister Boris Johnson remains committed to wind generation and says he wants the UK to become the “Saudi Arabia of wind power” with offshore wind farms generating enough electricity to power every UK home within a decade. Oil on a roll Oil prices have soared in response to the windless summer and British and German difficulties in getting access to Russian gas. Those increases will soon hit Australia which imports 80% of its petrol, diesel and jet fuel. OPEC+ […]

Overseas and Australian executives to accelerate pathways to net zero emissions

The Impact X Summit Sydney to be held on November 2-3, brings together an ambitious line-up of Australian and international leaders from government, NGOs, Indigenous organisations, and industry sectors, to discuss technology, investment, and collaborative pathways to net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. As the world grapples with the need for urgent and genuine action to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and a 50% reduction by 2030, Australians have consistently stated that they believe the Australian Government should be doing more to address climate change, with one of the most recent polls being conducted by the Australian Conservation Foundation showing that 67% of voters overall shared this view which was held in all 151 national seats. “Under the Paris Agreement, Australia committed to reduce emissions by 26%-28% below 2005 levels by 2030, a level which is well below that of other OECD nations. “While a more ambitious target is expected soon, Australian business and industry will then need an unprecedented level of innovation, transformation and investment to deliver on our commitments. Technology will be key to this,” said Tony Gourlay, CEO of Blue Impacts, the organisation behind the summit. Matt Kean, NSW Treasurer & Minister for Energy & Environment, who has been leading the charge for net zero emissions with a series of bold policy commitments, will also be speaking at the summit. The summit will ensure that a voice is given to Indigenous Australians, who have largely been left out of the conversation on climate change. The Gaimaragal Group Founder and Director Susan Moylan-Coombs, who will be speaking at the summit said, “All Indigenous peoples globally are the caretakers of the planet. “We only took what we needed, not what we greeded. The perseverance of all Indigenous people in the face of global extractive economic practices and […]

Australia’s clean hydrogen revolution is a path to prosperity

–John Mathews, Professor Emeritus, Macquarie Business School, Macquarie University. Days out from the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, the Morrison government on Tuesday announced a “practically achievable” path to reaching its new target of net-zero emissions by 2050. As expected, the government will pursue a “technology not taxes” approach – eschewing policies such as a carbon price in favour of technological solutions to reduce emissions. Developing Australia’s fledgling hydrogen industry is a central plank in the plan. This technological shift should not be seen as a cost burden for Australia. Yes, major transformation in industry is needed as it moves away from conventional fossil-fuelled processes. But this green industrial revolution is a potential source of great profit and prosperity – a fact Australia’s business sector has already recognised. Acting quickly, and powering the shift with renewable energy, means Australia can be a world leader in green hydrogen technology and exports, particular to Asia. A ‘priority technology’ Hydrogen can be produced in several ways. So-called “green” hydrogen is produced using electrolysers, powered by renewable energy, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. “Blue” hydrogen is produced from coal or gas, with some carbon emissions trapped and stored underground. A report released earlier this month found Australia could create 395,000 new jobs and generate A$89 billion in new trade by 2040 by investing in clean energy exports. Some of the biggest opportunities were in green hydrogen produced using renewable energy. The National Hydrogen Strategy, published in late 2019 and spearheaded by then-Chief Scientist Alan Finkel, aims to make Australia a world leader in hydrogen. Under the most optimistic scenario, it predicts Australia’s hydrogen industry could be worth A$26 billion to the economy in 2050. Energy Minster Angus Taylor on Tuesday said clean hydrogen was a “priority technology” in the government’s roadmap to reaching net-zero emissions this century, […]

NSW Hydrogen strategy massive leap forward

The Australian Hydrogen Council has applauded the New South Wales Government on its Hydrogen Strategy. “Setting aside $3 billion to support the scale up of our hydrogen industry is a leap in the right direction, a clear demonstration to us that the New South Wales Government is serious about meeting its net zero commitments and the role of hydrogen to get there,” said Dr Fiona Simon, CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council. “The strategy contains precisely the type of policy commitments, targets and funding that we have called for in our recent white paper Unlocking Australia’s Hydrogen Opportunity, and we are delighted to see the NSW Government taking this next evolutionary step. “In line with our white paper, the NSW Government has committed to prioritising heavy transport, trucks and refuelling infrastructure; heavy transport is a key sector that needs hydrogen to decarbonise, replacing petrol and diesel with hydrogen. “Australia has enormous opportunity to lead the world in the production, use and export of hydrogen and the NSW Government has demonstrated the leadership needed to drive the creation of the clean hydrogen industry. “We are glad the NSW Government has stepped up to the level at which our trading partners are competing. Plans and funding like this will mean Australia should not miss the boat on international opportunities and instead, will be well positioned to be a leading producer and user of hydrogen in Australia and globally. “This kind of strategy will draw through huge amounts of investment needed to secure local jobs of the future, from now. “An Australian hydrogen industry will require large scale electrolysers, renewable electricity, hydrogen storage, water and water pipelines, electricity infrastructure, CCS as appropriate, and hydrogen pipelines. “Planning, with the right funding and targets, is a vital part of getting this industry to scale and […]

Fossil-free steel variants produced using hydrogen

Leading global steel manufacturer and supplier, SSAB, has announced its latest fossil-free steel variants produced using hydrogen breakthrough ironmaking technology (“Hybrit Technology”). As the world’s first fossil-free steel, the company aims to help Australian businesses achieve sustainable transportation and manufacturing processes with its green and sustainable technology. SSAB – World’s First Fossil-Free Steel This initiative comes at a time when Australian policymakers and companies are exploring “green steel” as an opportunity to support business growth, operational efficiency, and sustainable development. A report by the Grattan Institute found that if Australia captured about 6.5% of the global steel market, the country could generate more than AU $65 billion in annual export revenue and create over 25,000 domestic jobs. As demand grows for fossil-free iron- and steelmaking, SSAB is doubling down on its efforts to promote an eco-friendly future for the transportation, construction, and mining sector with the world’s first fossil-free steel. “Our creation represents a significant step forward in the transition to sustainable iron and steelmaking. With mounting pressure for Australian governments and industries to address the impending climate crisis, businesses and individuals are being enacted to force change and implement sustainable global value chains. Fossil-free steel represents a viable alternative, as it does not compromise on quality and can be used in all industries,” said Matthew Spiteri, Country manager for Australia and New Zealand. Green hydrogen technology: a new revolution for sustainable businesses Hybrit, a jointed initiative of SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall was created in 2016 with the aim of developing a technology for fossil-free iron- and steelmaking. The process replaces coking coal, traditionally needed for iron ore-based steelmaking, with fossil-free electricity and hydrogen. In August 2021, SSAB was able to show the world´s first fossil-free steel plate made from hydrogen-reduced iron, produced at Hybrit’s pilot plant in Luleå, […]

Rio Tinto and Caterpillar for zero-emissions trucks

Rio Tinto and Caterpillar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Caterpillar’s development of zero-emissions autonomous haul trucks for use at one of Rio Tinto’s Western Australian mining operations. The collaboration will see Rio Tinto work with Caterpillar to advance the development of the manufacturer’s future 220-tonne 793 zero-emissions autonomous haul truck including the validation of Caterpillar’s emerging zero-emissions technology. Rio Tinto and Caterpillar will progress a series of development milestones to include a 793 prototype pilot program, testing and pre-production trials. It is anticipated that the world’s first operational deployment of approximately 35 new Caterpillar 793 zero-emissions autonomous haul trucks will be at Gudai-Darri once development is complete. Gudai-Darri is Rio Tinto’s most technically advanced iron ore mine, in the Pilbara, Western Australia. Rio Tinto’s Chief Commercial Officer Alf Barrios said “Our ambition to reach net zero emissions across our operations is a priority. Reaching this ambition will require new and innovative solutions and partnerships with supplier partners like Caterpillar. This collaboration represents a small but important step on that journey. “We look forward to working together to validate these zero-emissions haul trucks in just a few years’ time. The advanced technology at Gudai-Darri puts it at the forefront of new mining operations globally and we look forward to adding Caterpillar zero-emissions haul trucks to the site.” Caterpillar Group President Denise Johnson said, “The integration of autonomy with a zero-emissions fleet demonstrates Rio Tinto’s commitment to reach net zero emissions. “By leveraging these technologies across their sites, Rio Tinto can more safely increase productivity, efficiency and be more sustainable. We are pleased to be part of Rio Tinto’s sustainability journey and look forward to building on our long-standing collaboration.” In June, Rio Tinto announced it would deploy the world’s first fully autonomous water truck at Gudai-Darri, which will […]

Sussex is carbon neutral

With a commitment to ‘make it right’, Sussex becomes the first tap manufacturer in Australia to be certified as carbon neutral, marking a major milestone in a decade-long path towards sustainability. The Melbourne-based company is the first tap manufacturer in Australia to be certified as both a carbon neutral organisation, and the first to offer certified carbon neutral tapware, achieved in partnership with Climate Active. Certification has been achieved using a range of active and passive emissions reduction strategies, including offsetting 1,133 tonnes of carbon emissions via wind farms, to ensure Sussex has a net zero carbon footprint. In addition to being the first and only Australian tap manufacturer to reuse all waste metal materials, Sussex’s emissions reduction strategy in 2021 includes goals to reduce packaging, landfill, water and electricity usage, as well as to recycle 85% of materials each year. In 2017, there were approximately 53.7 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the manufacturing industry in Australia. Climate Active is a partnership between the Australian Government and Australian businesses to drive voluntary climate action. The certification—which is understood to be one of the most rigorous in the world—is awarded to businesses and organisations that have achieved a state of net zero emissions. Sussex’s Director Vanessa Katsanevakis says the certification marks the largest step yet on the manufacturer’s journey towards sustainability—one that she hopes will inspire others in the Australian manufacturing industry to take more ambitious steps towards environmental responsibility. “Our story is built around a family endeavour: to build an Australian business with sustainability at its heart. Creating sustainable and ethical solutions is key to our collective future. We have always wanted to face this challenge with a promise to do it the right way,” says Sussex’s Director Vanessa Katsanevakis. “The right way is tied to our […]

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