Australia in algal biofuel race
As the world’s global energy heavyweights shift their focus to developing biofuels, Australia could hold the key to its future large-scale development, according to one of the country’s leading algal biofuel experts. This week, BP joined the race in developing microbial oils for biofuels on the heels of ExxonMobil’s announcement that it is pursuing a genetically-modified algal biofuel aimed at driving a cleaner, greener future for energy stocks.
Biodiesel produced from sustainable feedstocks via the fermentation of sugars has been touted as the one of the most sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, capable of cutting back greenhouse emissions by up to 90%.
BP announced it has teamed up with Martek Biosciences Corporation to work on developing a step-change technology for the conversion of sugars into biodiesel using fermentation. Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, Martek and BP aim to establish proof of concept for large-scale, cost-effective microbial biodiesel production. BP, the world’s third-largest global energy company, will contribute up to $12 million to the initial phase of the collaboration. The aim is to leverage Martek’s research in microbial oil production with BP’s commercialisation experience in biofuels.
Once the technology has been developed, both companies are expected to search for a site for large-scale algae production, which could be where Australia comes in. Australia is already home to the world’s two-largest commercial algae growing farms – at Hutt Lagoon, just north of Geraldton in WA and Whyalla, north-west of Adelaide – both owned by Cognis Nutrition. Cognis uses the algae to make beta-carotene, a pro-vitamin A supplement.
Head of biological research and development at Western Australia’s Murdoch University, Michael Borowitzka, said Australia was “up there with the rest of the world” in growing algae for commercial products, adding the country was “well placed” for future large-scale algal biofuel projects.
“One advantage we have in Australia is that there are lots of areas that get lots of sun. If they’re going to use sunlight, once the technology has been developed, Australia is well placed because of our geography,” he said, pinpointing the Pilbara region in WA as “ideal”.
“Along with sunshine, Australia potentially has a lot of saline water which could be used to reliably grow algae… [on farms] measuring anywhere up to 50 to 100 square kilometres in size.”
Asked how far away the technology was from being developed, Professor Borowtizka said “optimistically, at least five years but, realistically, closer to 10 years or more”.
Story sourced from: http://www.environmentalmanagementnews.net/StoryView.asp?StoryID=1034424
CleverGreen Innovators Awards
Applications are being invited for the inaugural CleverGreen Innovators to Watch Awards. The awards will identify and reward those companies developing innovative products and services in the Cleantech industry. The innovations may have a positive impact on the environment through improved sustainability, lower emissions, reduced energy usage and encouraging broad-based behavioural change. They may also foster economic development and create employment.
There are two award categories: CleverGreen Product Innovator and CleverGreen Service Innovator. Four finalists in each of the categories will be announced at the CleverGreen 2010 Conference on 16 February 2010. The winner of each category will be awarded the Innovator to Watch Award.
To receive your entry pack including the entry form and rules and criteria please call Marie on 08 8300 2116 or email mscali@landp.com.au. Nominations close Friday 16 October 2009.
Sourced from Waste Management Association: www.wmaa.asn.au
ANU and China pioneer novel solar cells
Solar cells will soon be able to provide efficient heating and power, and be significantly cheaper, thanks to a joint project between researchers at the Australian National University and Tianjin University in China.
The 2.5-year project between the two universities will pioneer solar cells immersed in cooling fluid. This technique is expected to result in solar cells which produce up to 70% efficient combined heat and power solar concentrators, employing highly efficient and cost-effective solar cells.
The joint work began last year when the two universities started collaborating to develop a new generation of efficient and cheap solar concentrator receivers, which can provide both heating and power to users.
But in the course of that project, the research teams conceptualised an approach of liquid immersed solar cells. This second project is now expected to provide vastly improved efficiency of the solar cells turning sunlight into power and heating.
The project was announced at the ANU by Professor Yiping Wang, director of the Green Technology Centre at Tianjin University, along with his ANU colleagues Professor Andrew Blakers and Dr Igor Skryabin.
Chinese researchers expect the new solar concentration receivers will be competitive in providing solar electricity and heat in China. More on this story from: http://www.environmentalmanagementnews.net/StoryView.asp?StoryID=1034483
Ford researching liquid wood
Ford researchers at Ford’s European Research Centre in Aachen, Germany are investigating an innovative, new wood-plastic compound (WPC—also known as liquid wood. The new liquid wood material is derived from a rubber compounding process. The new material is being assessed in a three-year project which started in May 2009.
Until now, liquid wood has only been used for high-quality household terrace building panels which do not have to be moulded. This is important because its viscosity impairs mouldability. With a high portion of wood (between 60 and 80 percent), this viscosity made it unsuitable for conventional injection moulding, which is the only economical manufacturing process for the mass production of components such as plastic parts. This is one of the most prominent issues being addressed by the assessment project.
The compound of wood and plastics prevents water absorption and thus increases the material’s durability. The fact that untreated wood, and even wood waste, can be used makes the application environmentally attractive.
The new processing technology also significantly improves the sealing of the wood fibers and insulates unpleasant odors. Therefore, the material can also be used in the vehicle interior, for example with trim parts. Another area where liquid wood application could be used is in the engine compartment, with components such as the battery tray.
Previous analyses have shown that the recyclability of liquid wood is excellent because the material can be reprocessed up to five times; the overall CO2 balance is almost neutral.
Ford’s objective is to further increase the portion of natural materials in the development of new models. Currently, some 290 parts are already derived from renewable resources, such as from cotton, wood, flax, hemp, jute fibre and natural rubber.
Among the project partners are the University of Paderborn, machine and material manufacturers and organizations in the compounding and packaging industry. The State of North Rhine Westphalia provides a funding of approximately €400,000 (US$563,000) out of the total overall budget of more than €1 million (US$1.4 million).
This story sourced from http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/07/ford-liquid-wood.html courtesy of The Resource Recovery Forum www.resourcesnotwaste.org
NEWater plant in Singapore
The first phase of the Sembcorp Changi NEWater Plant (SCNP) in Singapore was completed on schedule and began commercial operations in July. The plant uses the main advanced water treatment process steps of micro-filtration (MF), reverse osmosis (RO) and ultraviolet radiation to produce NEWater, high-grade reclaimed water. This ultra-clean water is mainly supplied to industrial and commercial customers including water fabrication plants.
When completed in 2010, the plant will supply 15% of Singapore’s current water needs.
Sembcorp was awarded the project in January 2008 and has an agreement to supply PUB, Singapore’s national water agency, with NEWater for the next 25 years. Black & Veatch provided full design engineering services for the plant along with construction support and commissioning services.
“When completed the plant will be one of the largest water recycling facilities in the world,” said William Yong, Associate Vice President and Director of Black & Veatch’s client services for the South Asia Pacific region.
The design of the SCNP reduces land use and minimises construction costs by placing the main NEWater facilities on the roof of the Changi Water Reclamation Plant (CWRP). Treated used water from the CWRP will be piped directly to the SCNP as feedwater, minimising the extent of pipework for conveyance.
“Sustainability played a big role in the project as the design focused on minimising the whole-of-life cost of the facility, keeping the capital and the operational expenditures to a minimum and helping Sembcorp submit a winning bid,” Yong added. “We had 120 professionals from our integrated global workforce working on the plant, which ensured that the design and construction stayed on the fast-track schedule.”
“We are pleased to be working with Sembcorp, one of the leading utility companies in the region,” said Ralph Eberts, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Black & Veatch’s Asia Pacific water business. “We’ve provided a full range of services on this landmark project including engineering, construction support and commissioning. In most of our global markets, we are similarly involved in all phases of project delivery, often as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor.”
Story sourced from http://www.sustainabilitymatters.net.au/articles/34509?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Email%
Innovative ways of keeping cool in Japan
In pre-air conditioner Japan, people tried various things to forget or cool down the summer heat: hanging tinkling wind chimes at the window to help them feel cool; blocking the direct sunlight with traditional bamboo blinds or reed screens; sprinkling water in front of house entrances and in gardens; wearing soft, absorbent summer "yukata" cotton kimonos; eating summer foods that cool the body; and taking walks in the cool of the evening to enjoy fireflies or fireworks. These are all traditional Japanese summer customs that are still commonly practiced as a part of everyday life.
To see more about the Japanese way including sprinkling water on passersby go to: http://www.japanfs.org/en/mailmagazine/newsletter/pages/029260.html . Story sourced via The Resource Recovery Forum: www.resourcesnotwaste.org
Queensland researchers chase new type of “clean coal”
Coal could be at the crest of a new cleaner energy wave - that is the hope shared by researchers at the University of Queensland, who have been impressed by a recent lab-scale test of a new low-emission coal technology that could double its energy-efficiency and provide food for thought on the carbon capture and storage debate.
Chemical engineer John Zhu from UQ’s School of Chemical Engineering has been working on direct carbon fuel cells (DCFC), which aims to create twice as much power from coal as current methods and minimise carbon emissions. Professor Zhu said that when coal reacts with air in the DCFC, it generated highly energy-efficient electricity.
“The very high energy efficiency of the new technology will effectively halve the amount of coal required to create electricity,” he said. “When applied, it will provide industry with very significant cost and energy savings, which could then be passed on to the consumer.”
Along with saving cost and energy, the DCFC also aims to enable the by-product of coal-fired power – the harmful greenhouse gas carbon dioxide – to be trapped and stored easily and safely.
“One of the major challenges for coal-fired power is reducing its impact on the environment by developing ways to separate carbon dioxide from other gases produced in the power generation process, and ensuring it is not released into the atmosphere,” Professor Zhu said. “The DCFC produces pure carbon dioxide as a by-product, making it much easier to manage.”
The next stage in development will involve consulting with the energy sector and securing industry and government funding to scale up the DCFC technology. Executive Dean of UQ's Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, Graham Schaffer, said the new DCFC technology was one of a number of clean energy technologies being progressed by the university.
“UQ engineers are on the front lines in the battle to develop low emission coal technologies and deliver renewable energy sources such as hydrogen, geothermal and solar energy,” he said. “Partnerships with industry and government have enabled our researchers to make significant progress towards these new technologies, which are vital if we are to meet the challenges of clean energy and climate change.”
With funding, the new DCFC technology is expected to roll out in about 10 years. Story sourced from: http://www.environmentalmanagementnews.net/StoryView.asp?StoryID=1034419#
New deadline for bumper monthly I&I column
As this magazine is now going out monthly (see Get Connected column for details), if you want publicity for your event in this column or as a clipboard item then items should be sent in by the end of a month to be in the following month’s magazine.
As the magazine is now monthly it will provide the opportunity for more stories in each column – beginning with this edition.
Import export show on the road - Seminars and Mini-Expo
7 September 2009, 8.30am – 5.30pm, Sydney
Small to medium exporters and importers can get valuable practical advice to grow their business with their choice of beginner or advanced streams. Hear and learn from experts in finance, business development, legal, freight and government, as well importers and exporters. Click here to read more and register: http://westernsydney.e-newsletter.com.au/link/id/fb01e3f30c4da8002d5aP0b53fe4168071c586913/page.html
Small Business September to help your business
With over 300 events hosted by 100 organisations across NSW, Small Business September has events to help strengthen your business, sharpen your market presence and increase business opportunities. Most events are free.
Check the Department of State and Regional Development Small Business web site (http://www.smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au/) for details on …
• Marketing and sales seminars
• Business growth and exporting workshops
• Financial planning skills and much more …
Your Ideas, Innovations or Events?
If you want publicity for an idea, innovation or technically related event, contact the I&I editor, Colin Seaborn on 4254 0200 or 0419 841829 or click here->
We welcome stories and photos. With the YOC electronic magazine now going out monthly you will need to send your story by the end of a month to get publicity for an event in the following month.
If you want to promote your product or service via video please contact YOC office on (02) 4254 0200 or click here->
| 
