Assistant Minister for Education, Anthony Chisholm will launch a major recycling and clean energy hub at Deakin University today, which is expected to generate more than $1.4 billion in revenue and 2,500 jobs in the next decade.
The $380 million Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH) based at Deakin University's Future Economy Precinct is building the single largest clean energy ecosystem in Australia.
Assistant Minister Chisholm said that REACH is bringing together some of the brightest university minds empowering industry leaders to solve problems not just facing Australia, but the world.
"REACH's projects will see us take steps towards solving some of our biggest environmental challenges, such as reducing landfill and fossil fuel emissions and mitigating some of the devastating impacts of global warming," Assistant Minister Chisholm said.
"Each year Australians contribute more than 7.6 million tonnes of food to landfill annually, costing over $36.6 billion and producing 17.5 million tonnes of CO2.
"REACH has partnered with JET Technology to bring industry and researchers together to focus on converting organic waste from the agriculture, dairy and fishery sectors by drastically shortening composting time so it can be used to make new products such as cow feed, fertiliser and textiles.
"Developing sovereign capability here in Australia is making our manufacturing greener and creating new job opportunities for the industries of tomorrow."
Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, said the opportunity to boost local capacity for recycling projects was an important forward step for the wider Geelong region.
"Our region is home to some of the best problem-solvers across the nation and I'm proud that my government is supporting them by investing in this amazing facility," Ms Coker said.
"Investing in sustainable manufacturing is a key focus of the Albanese Government - we want to see our local economies strengthened, more innovation from our universities, and an uptick in jobs for those with the skills to make things here in Australia."
"That's what this facility is all about - creating a sustainable, productive, and innovative local economy that can compete on the world stage, boost job opportunities for locals, and encourage our youngest community members to consider a future in research and development."
Managing Director of JET Technology Corporation Australia, Howard Ju, said that JET was confident with its ERS technology, which has been commercialised in Japan, but that the project with Deakin is focused on verifying the scientific facts on outputs and greenhouse gas reduction using Australian domestic feedstocks.
"REACH provides JET ideal opportunities to work with research organisations, in this case Deakin University, to prove and demonstrate an innovative technology newly introduced to Australia targeting the organic waste and decarbonisation issues," he said.
REACH projects are focusing on driving cleaner, greener technologies and supply chains to deliver energy and recycling solutions that reduce landfill and fossil fuel emissions, supporting Australia's transition to net zero by 2050.
The projects are currently supported by 10 industry and education partners, including JET Technology, Clean Energy Resources Australia and Viva Energy Australia.
REACH's 80 per cent target of delivering their projects in regional Australia is set to benefit many regional locations, with the creation of a future ready work force and significant job opportunities. These areas include Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Warrnambool.
