A University of Newcastle-led project that harvests water from the atmosphere has secured $1,904,166 funding through the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund Drought Resilience Innovation Challenges Pilot Program.
Led by Laureate Professor Behdad Moghtaderi and Chief Investigator Dr Priscilla Tremain, the Hydro Harvester Pilot Program will upgrade and trial the University's atmospheric water generation technology at an Indigenous-owned and operated farm in Western Australia.
Water generated by the Hydro Harvester will support native seed production while helping rehydrate drought-affected land.
Currently located at the University's Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) precinct, the Hydro Harvester captures moisture from the air to generate up to 1,000 litres of water per day.
The trial will take place in Beverley, Western Australia. The property is owned by Ballardong Noongar man and Chair of Yaraguia Incorporated, Mr Oral McGuire, who will help guide implementation through Indigenous knowledge systems and local land management practices.
The Drought Resilience Innovation Challenges Pilot Program supports projects that connect farmers, producers and regional and rural communities to evidence-based innovation, technology and tools that will help improve climate and drought resilience.
