By Ian Lowe, Griffith University and Kylie Walker, Australian National University Australia’s clean energy transition is already underway, driven by solar, wind, batteries and new transmission lines. But what about nuclear? Opposition leader Peter Dutton last month committed to building nuclear reactors on the site of retired coal plants – triggering intense debate over whether…
By Peter Newman, Curtin University The extent to which renewables should dominate Australia’s energy grids is a major issue in science and politics. Solar and wind are clearly now the cheapest form of electricity. But limits to these technologies can undermine the case for a renewables-only electricity mix. The challenges posed by solar and wind…
By Ty Christopher, University of Wollongong and Michelle Voyer, University of Wollongong On the weekend, an area 20km off the Illawarra coast south of Sydney became Australia’s fourth offshore wind energy zone. It’s the most controversial zone to date, with consultation attracting a record 14,211 submissions – of which 65% were opposed. The zone’s declaration…
By Sanjoy Paul, University of Technology Sydney and Priyabrata Chowdhury, RMIT University The shift towards net zero emissions and greater international competition have created new opportunities for clean energy industries – poised to shape the global economy in the coming decades. To harness these opportunities, the government has developed a long-term strategic initiative called the…
Following last month’s heavily-anticipated announcement of the Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers list for 2024, @AuManufacturing is now making a report based on the five-month campaign freely available. Download the 36-page e-book for profiles on some of the standout nominees this time around, exclusive Q and As with some of the best of the best…
By Paul Gover Applying a luxury twist to humble laundry liquid, incorporating natural organic plant-based ingredients, has allowed Bon Savvy to create a new Australian export success story. Bon Savvy is selling its range of luxury laundry products through one of the world’s most upscale department stores, Globus of Switzerland, which has a total of…
By Marina Yue Zhang, University of Technology Sydney; David Gann, University of Oxford, and Mark Dodgson, The University of Queensland Globalisation is on shaky ground. As China rises, the United States and its allies are moving to reduce their reliance on the world’s factory. The rivalry between the US and China is wide-ranging, from competition…
It seems to be a characteristic about proud Australian Made companies that their commitment to going local is more than just skin deep. Australian made licensee Boss Aluminium owner David Whitehead is one that doesn’t just claim local provenance, but strives to buy as much of the materials and systems he needs from other Australian…
This month marks two years of manufacturing for Philip Goodman, who says his company has so far managed to turn about 300,000 kilograms of post-industrial plastic into new permeable pavers. The Director of Truegrid Australia came to manufacturing after a career as developer and builder, particularly of over-50s lifestyle resorts. Goodman says he saw Truegrid…
By Nicholas Way Mick Henricks is a rare breed – someone who has been able to turn his lifelong passion into his livelihood. The blacksmith behind the Roma-based The Farmer’s Forge in southern, central Queensland, he has been able to turn his passion for metal and woodwork since his school days into a growing business.…