A Deakin University recycling and clean energy initiative is a finalist in the Australian Government's new Trailblazer Universities Program, putting it just one step away from sharing in $242.7 million of funding support.
The Recycling and Renewable Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH) is among eight bids shortlisted for federal Trailblazer support and has the capacity to drive significant innovation and jobs creation in Geelong, Western Victoria and beyond.
Four successful projects from the shortlist will be announced early next month.
Alfred Deakin Professor Julie Owens, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, said the need to reduce global carbon emissions and supply chains in critical sectors had underscored the importance of recycling and clean energy - a national manufacturing priority - and intensified demand for both greener and more resilient supply chains.
"Australian manufacturers will be more internationally competitive as markets move from a throughput economy to a circular economy," Professor Owens said.
"REACH would capitalise on Deakin's battery technology, hydrogen, carbon fibre, and recycling strengths, as well as the strengths of our industry and university partners. It would accelerate ideas into smart, sustainable manufacturing solutions with an industry-led circular economy approach."
REACH builds on Deakin's end-to-end manufacturing capabilities in renewable energy and recycling; and its thriving 'Future Economy' commercialisation ecosystem at Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool, which includes:
- ManuFutures - Australia's leading advanced manufacturing incubator/accelerator hub
- BatTRI-Hub - world-class battery technology research and translation hub including energy storage commercialisation
- Renewable Energy Microgrid - a 7.25 megawatt solar energy system and associated research centre
- Hycel - one of Australia's first new hydrogen technology testing, manufacturing, optimising and training facilities
- Carbon Nexus - carbon fibre and composite research facility
- Circular Economy Initiative - focusing on energy materials, carbon fibre and composites, organics, and others
- AquaFI Hub - state-of-the-art aquaculture research and innovation centre
Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said Trailblazer would enable Deakin to work with progressive, innovation-driven industry partners, leveraging enormous market opportunities for recycling and clean energy technologies to deliver carbon-neutral solutions.
"Deakin has a strong IP pipeline and an enviable track record in successful industry engagement to create positive impact," Professor Martin said.
"Trailblazer support would serve as a national catalyst for industry development and adoption of clean energy and recycling initiatives under our leadership."
Deakin Research Innovations Executive Director Ross Mahon predicted REACH industry partners would generate $100 million revenue within five years, thousands of jobs, and significant economic value while addressing environmental challenges.
REACH will engage researchers from Federation University, RMIT University, Swinburne University of Technology, University of Melbourne and University of Southern Queensland, alongside CSIRO, the Gordon Institute of TAFE, Bendigo Kangan Institute, South West TAFE and Holmesglen Institute of TAFE.
