University-led recycling and clean energy innovation program unveils first projects

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the University of Newcastle (UoN) have unveiled the first clean energy projects to be developed under the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) scheme. Hydrogen produced from seawater and ‘green ceramics’ manufactured from recycled textile waste are just two of more than a dozen innovations that have now been funded, part of $117 million in industry co-funded research and development projects in the first year of the scheme. The scheme is led by UNSW and the UoN, who have been working closely with industry partners to accelerate the commercialisation of research and deliver skills for a circular, clean energy economy since being awarded $50 million in funding under the Australian Government’s Trailblazer program in 2022. 5,000 regional jobs A showcase of TRaCE projects was held in Sydney on March 5, revealing a range of potentially disruptive new technologies advancing towards commercialisation. Assistant Minister for Education Anthony Chisholm, who spoke at the launch of the TRaCE showcase, says the program will contribute to the creation of 5,200 regional jobs and boost the economy by up to $15 billion over the next 20 years. “TRaCE’s projects will help Australia and the world find new and effective ways to transition to sustainable recycling and clean energy solutions and systems,” Assistant Minister Chisholm said. Professor Nicholas Fisk, UNSW deputy vice-chancellor, Research and Enterprise said the success of TRaCE pointed to the huge value-add of industry, universities and government working together on research commercialisation. “It is clear that the work coming out of TRaCE will be a significant contributor to achieving net zero by 2050,” Professor Fisk said. “At UNSW as at UoN, we are at the forefront of supporting researchers in collaborating closely with industry to create and bring to market innovative technologies of long-run societal benefit, both quickly and efficiently.” TRaCE will also put an additional $67 million into R&D support, startups and small and medium enterprise funding, and education and skills training programs. “TRaCE’s mandate is to transform how universities work with industry to translate research into commercially viable products, in addition to building the skilled workforce required,” TRaCE executive director Emmanuel Mastio said. “We are extremely focused and will deploy our resources around core technologies promising the highest Green House Gas emissions avoidance. “This means treating technologies as ecosystems and strategically co-funding companies to build a critical mass in supply chains.”