Andrew Minett

Dr. Madeline Taylor from Macquarie University explores the untapped potential of agrivoltaics in Australia, highlighting the symbiotic use of land for agriculture and solar photovoltaics (PV). Despite successful pilot projects, agrivoltaics has yet to scale in Australia due to the absence of a federal policy integrating agriculture and renewable energy. She advocates for regulatory reform and increased investment to overcome cost barriers and unlock opportunities for agricultural landholders to benefit from distributed energy resources (DER). Read about it here - https://lnkd.in/g-Ujvnuh Source: Hamilton Locke #Agrivoltaics #RenewableEnergy #DER #Sustainability #AusEnergy

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Funded by the Australian Research Council, Professors Chengwang Lei and Marcela Bilek are leading a team of Sydney researchers to understand and improve the thermal performance of PV panels under various real-world conditions. Temperature-induced efficiency losses for large-scale solar farms are substantial, and mitigation by effective passive cooling strategies can improve project feasibility, panel longevity, and field efficiency. The efficiency of PV modules is strongly affected by panel temperature, resulting in up to a 3% reduction of power output for every 5°C above standard test conditions (25°C). This highlights the significant potential for boosting yield through thermal optimisation. The team is now also seeking industrial partners to develop new multiscale models for the thermal modelling of PV farms and build new knowledge and tools to enable efficiency gains for future large-scale solar projects. The focus will be on passive cooling strategies to minimise panel operation temperature while avoiding the expense of active cooling or high-efficiency cells. For more information, please contact the team via [email protected] or [email protected]. #Partnerships #Engineering #Solar

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As New Zealand electrifies, more grid-scale batteries will maximise the benefits of renewable energy and provide extra resilience during times of tight electricity supply.   You can learn about how grid-scale batteries work and how the Electricity Authority is unlocking the potential for batteries to contribute to security of supply in our latest ‘Eye on electricity’ explainer: https://lnkd.in/gWEQnvhF   #renewableenergy #securityofsupply #electricityindustry

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Altech Batteries Ltd (ASX:ATC) CERENERGY Battery Project Funding Update $ATC $A3Y $ALTHF @altechbatteries #Ausbiz #tech #chemicals #alumina #abnnewswire: Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) (OTCMKTS:ALTHF) is pleased to announce an update on funding of the CERENERGY(R) sodium-chloride solid-state battery project in Saxony, Germany.

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Research programs developing new metamaterials, higher-quality long-life lithium batteries, and novel thermal energy storage approaches are among those supported in a new round of Australian Research Council Discovery Projects. “Discovery grants support individual researchers and research teams in research projects that provide economic, commercial, environmental, social and/or cultural benefits to the Australian community,” said acting CEO at ARC, Dr Richard Johnson in a statement. #manufacturing #australianmanufacturing #research #researchanddevelopment

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Solar discovery could transform hydrogen production: An international study led by Flinders University in Australia has advanced nanoscale chemistry to further develop sustainable and efficient generation of hydrogen from water using solar power. #RenewableEnergy #Photovoltaic #Technology

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I recently had the opportunity to be interviewed by The Australian Financial Review for their special report on clean energy, and it sparked some deep reflections on where we stand with solar panel recycling in Australia. https://lnkd.in/gTcES96A One of the last questions I was asked was, "Do you think the appetite for solar panels will continue to grow in Australia, especially in light of the news about solar owners facing new charges for sending excess power? Will this impact consumers' investment in solar?" ⏲ Let’s be clear—now is the best time for solar. It remains the most affordable, accessible, and cleanest source of electricity. More importantly, public confidence is strong. Everyone is enjoying lower electricity bills and feeling good about helping Australia decarbonise, even if it’s just a little contribution. 🌳 To put it in perspective: A typical 6.6kW rooftop solar system can reduce CO₂ emissions by around 3.4 tonnes annually—equivalent to planting approximately 113 trees, and solar panels can last up to 25 years. (PS: If you're a student in my LCA class, you should already know this!) 📈 I spent quite some time developing the best forecast model to predict solar panel waste volume in Australia, and it's making waves. Even UNSW’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Merlin Crossley referenced my work in a recent interview. 🔍 But here's my concern: Media often paints solar waste with terms like "waste crisis" and "waste boom"—and it’s harmful. Such language creates the misconception that adopting solar today just means creating a bigger problem tomorrow. That’s misleading, and it’s dangerous for the future of renewable energy. 💡 Here’s the truth: Solar panel end-of-life is not an unsolvable problem—it is solvable. We are not facing a "waste boom." We are actively working towards a circular economy for PV. Yes, the solution is still being realised, but we are moving forward, repurposing old panels and materials to create a self-sustaining, resilient industry. This is possible, and it’s happening. 💰 But we need more—more investment, more government support, more industry buy-in. Together, we can accelerate this transition and make it a reality faster. ♻ What will that look like? In the future, we won’t need to mine new materials to make solar panels—we’ll source everything from the "waste panel resource reservoir." Imagine a solar industry that completely sustains itself. 📢 The main takeaway: Solar is not the problem—it’s the solution. Don’t hate solar panels—they are incredible!  ##CleanEnergy #CircularEconomy #SolarRecycling #Sustainability

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We're excited to share key insights from Dr Furat Dawood's compelling case study on Hybrid Renewable Systems and the role of #Hydrogen. 📊 Presentation Spotlight: Hybrid Renewable Case Study in Western Australia Dr Dawood's presentation shows the potential of integrating hydrogen into renewable energy systems. Here are the key takeaways: 🌿 Sustainability Impact: How hybrid systems are reshaping our clean energy landscape 🔮 Future Outlook: Predictions for the evolving role of hydrogen in renewables 💡 Interested in learning more about hazardous area safety in renewable energy systems? Let's connect! Our team of experts is ready to help you navigate the complexities of this rapidly evolving field.

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The Royal Society of Victoria congratulates Suraj Loomba on winning Second Prize in the Physical Sciences category of this year's Young Scientist Research Prizes! Current electrolyzer technologies use limited freshwater resources for electrolysis in the production of green hydrogen, as various ionic salts, particulates and microbes in sea water can interfere with the electrochemical water splitting. But this means 20 billion m3 of freshwater supplies will be required to meet the world’s future energy demands, placing up to 80% of the world’s human population at risk of water scarcity. Green hydrogen generation via seawater electrolysis can be a sustainable approach, given the vast resources available; so Suraj and his colleagues have been developing new, efficient, stable catalysts for splitting seawater into hydrogen and oxygen. They used a hydrothermal method to prepare the transition metal oxide N-NiMoO3, which was further treated to create porous, ultrathin sheets to be used as a catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in seawater. They also synthesised 2D sheets of WO3.B2O3 with an ionic bonded Co-MOF heterostructure as a catalyst for an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in seawater. These two new catalysts replaced the processes currently limited to freshwater use, these being Pt/C and IrO2 respectively. Suraj and his team found that the HER reaction performed twice as well as the freshwater Pt/C catalyst and 10 times better than the IrO2 when utilised as an anode to deliver current to the electrolysis process. The OER reaction also performed ten times better than IrO2. Importantly, the catalysts inhibited chlorine generation and corrosive chlorine chemistry, making them suitable for operation in alkaline seawater, capable of operating efficiently in a stable condition for months. At scale, the developed catalysts are reckoned to be around 50 to 60 times more economical than the current catalysts in commercial use. Suraj is completing his doctoral research at RMIT University, under lead supervisor Dr Nasir Mahmood. Further details: https://lnkd.in/gh3HcYY2 The Young Scientist Research Prizes are an annual program delivered by the Royal Society of Victoria as a part of the Inspiring Victoria program. The Physical Sciences category is generously sponsored by the Australian Radiation Protection And Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) in 2024. Department of Education, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water #greenhydrogen #electrolysis #hydrogen #oxygen #renewableenergy #renewablefuel #sustainability #water

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#2024BatterySummit Universities across Australia are leading research in battery manufacturing, safety, reuse and recycling. ABRI’s priority is to support commercialisation of this research to deliver a battery circular economy, improve environmental outcomes and grow the local industry. Join us at the 2024 Australian Battery Recycling and Manufacturing Summit https://lnkd.in/gjwApRVB to hear leading academics discuss their research including a panel discussion with 🔋Prof. Deepak Dubal of QUT (Queensland University of Technology) whose research focuses on supercapacitors, batteries, nanogenerators and development of novel methods to increase battery recycling sustainability 🔋Dr. Muhammad Rizwan Azhar, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia, on integrating academic research into product/process-oriented outcomes through collaborations with industry; and development of effective battery recycling / transformation technologies, new battery chemistries, and technologies to achieve net zero waste and emissions. Australian Battery Society Powering Australia #batterytechnology #lithiumbatteries #leadbatteries #batteryrecycling #batterymanufacturing #batterytechnology #batteries #battery #lithium #cobalt #lead #circulareconomy #batterymetals #criticalminerals #batteryinvestment 

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An international study led by Flinders University in Adelaide has advanced nano-scale chemistry to further develop sustainable and efficient generation of hydrogen from water using solar power. #Renewables #Australia #Solarenergy

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Hon Grace Grace MP from the Queensland Government outlines the objectives and benefits of the State’s Battery Industry Strategy. Queensland is poised to become a leader in the global battery industry as it launched its comprehensive five-year strategy. The strategy, which aims to capitalise on the state’s abundant critical minerals and mining expertise, is focused on fostering innovation, driving investment, and promoting Queensland as a hub for advanced materials and battery production. With a targeted investment of $570m across key themes, Queensland is primed to create thousands of jobs and generate substantial economic activity while advancing its renewable energy and sustainability goals. Read the whole article on Queensland's Battery Industry Strategy here, at the Innovation News Network website: https://lnkd.in/dEu-pcVf #battery #batteries #queensland #criticalrawmaterials #mining #australia

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Here’s a look at the regional report from the Autumn issue of Energy Global for the #PreWeekendPreview. In the article, Matthew Chadwick, PhD, Lead Research Analyst at Cornwall Insight, provides an overview of the battery energy storage industry in Australia. To read more, sign up for a FREE trial of the magazine here 👉https://bit.ly/3NwDhus #preweekendpreview #EnergyGlobal #RenewableEnergy #australia

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𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 At Australian Flow Batteries (AFB), we are thrilled to share some of the latest milestones in our mission to deliver sustainable energy solutions and support Australia's transition to renewable energy. We have seen considerable progress across our projects, particularly with the deployment of our flagship systems: • The AFB Diesel Replacement System is designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and deliver clean, reliable energy for industrial and remote applications. • The AFB Disaster Response System offers rapid, dependable power and essential services during emergencies. Key achievements include: • Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct in Neerabup: Successful demonstration of our systems, where our technology is powering innovation and collaboration. • Onslow Marine Support Base (OMSB) Project: Engaging with OMSB to implement the Diesel Replacement System, providing clean and stable energy to the port and supporting the maritime industry's sustainability objectives. • Australian Marine Complex in Henderson: Deployment and testing of the Diesel Replacement System, showcasing its ability to reduce diesel consumption by up to 90% in varying conditions. • Residential VRFB Development: This energy storage system will enable households to store excess solar energy, reduce grid reliance and support Australia's renewable energy goals. Pilot programs are in development to demonstrate the transformative potential. As we continue to expand our reach and capability, AFB is committed to: • Supporting local assembly and development to tailor our systems for Australian conditions. • Enhancing sustainability by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy solutions and supporting renewable energy storage across diverse applications. • Collaborating with partners to scale our impact both domestically and internationally. Our journey is just beginning, and we are excited to contribute to a cleaner, greener energy future for Australia and beyond. Learn more about our vision and solutions: https://www.afb.energy/ #EnergyInnovation #SustainableEnergy #DieselReplacement #DisasterResponse #AustralianFlowBatteries

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🔋Here's all you need to know about community batteries 🌟 Battery energy storage systems will be crucial for Australia’s shift to clean energy. One promising option gaining attention and investment is the mid-scale or community-scale battery. ISF's Dr Scott Dwyer breaks down everything you need to know about community batteries in this new 360info article. 💡What are community-scale batteries? 💡What about storage capacity? 💡Where are these batteries? 💡Who owns community-scale batteries? 💡What are the benefits? 💡 What challenges still need to be overcome? Find out more here: https://ow.ly/RzXh50U2LL6 #EnergyStorage #CommunityBatteries #CleanEnergy #SustainableFuture #RenewableEnergy

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The gas supplier claims that H2 blending to this level will have no impact on existing appliances nor increase in energy bills during the trial period. #renewables #power #energy #wind #offshore #onshore #solar #hydropower #floating #nuclear #geothermal #efficiency #transition #susteinability #circular #economy #esg #clean #decarbonization #electrification #climate #hydrogen #mobility #greensteel #ammonia #transportation #storage #fuelcell #smartgrid #der #powersystem #generation #transmission #distribution #electricity #machines #motors #drives #sensors #iot #education #engineering #innovation #entrepreneurship #creativity #technology #digitalization #cybersecurtity

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Amp Energy plans green hydrogen and ammonia production Amp Energy has finalised commercial agreements for the development of the Cape Hardy Advanced Fuels Precinct incorporating electrolysers to produce green hydrogen, as well as green ammonia and other advanced fuels. The agreements were executed with Iron Road which is developing the Cape Hardy Industrial Port Precinct on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia into a green products manufacturing and export area. The area is to be supported by a desalination plant for the region being studied by the federal and state governments and copper miners BHP and Oz Minerals which will underpin massive expansions of industry. Now Amp Energy will purchase a 630-hectare parcel of land at Cape Hardy for $15.5 million for the project and has finalised a royalty structure and common user infrastructure agreement with Iron Road. The Cape Hardy Advanced Fuels Precinct will provide production at scale with up to 10 GW of planned electrolyser capacity with an initial stage to bring 1 GW online, as well as an advanced fuels export terminal. #manufacturing #manufacturingnews #hydrogen #renewables Amp Energy Iron Road Ltd https://lnkd.in/et9xKe7R

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