South Australia Cements Leadership Position in both Cleantech and Nanotechnology
An Adelaide seminar on 8 December heard how nanotechnologies are being harnessed to deliver clean technology solutions for Australia and the world.
The high level seminar, titled ‘How Nanotechnology is Driving CleanTech Growth’ was organised by the Adelaide Cleantech Network, the only organisation of its kind in Australia. The conference brought together 80 representatives of business, finance, government and academia to promote collaboration across these groups and stimulate the growth of cleantech companies.
The Adelaide Cleantech Network is the initiative of Australian CleanTech which provides research services and investment analysis of the cleantech sector.
Commenting on the event, John O’Brien, Managing Director of Australian CleanTech said that Australia will adapt quickly to a future of low emissions by providing an environment for new companies and technologies to flourish. “Maintaining and protecting existing industries is important in the short term, but it does not result in a leadership position in the long run,” he said.
“Adelaide is leading the way in demonstrating how the collaboration between business, finance, government and academia can produce sustainable companies providing investment returns and economic development.”
The seminar was held in conjunction with the Australian Nano Business Forum. The Australian Nano Business Forum is the peak national body representing and promoting Australian industries and companies involved in nanotechnology. The ANBF provides a collective voice for member organisations engaged in this emerging technology, as well as facilitating links between other key stakeholders.
The seminar examined the bridge between nanotechnologies and clean technologies through both overview presentations and specific case studies. The panellists explained the potential that nanotechnology has to deliver environmentally friendly development in many varied ways.
The case studies come from Australian organisations that are leading the world:
• Dyesol Ltd is commercializing thin film solar photovoltaic materials that can be integrated into roof or window materials;
• Flinders University is undertaking ground breaking research into biofuels; and
• NanoVic is developing wind turbine blades from carbon nanotubes.
Professor Tanya Monro from the University of Adelaide started the afternoon with an overview of the potential for nanotechnology to drive cleantech growth.
The growth of nanotechnologies and clean technologies is being driven by much more than just climate change and government emissions trading. “Increasing wealth, increasing populations and decreasing natural resources require the world to adapt to cleaner technologies”, Mr O’Brien said
Australian CleanTech has estimated that, if the Australian growth matches the global forecasts, annual revenue for the Australian cleantech sector could exceed $40Bn within the next 10 years.
This seminar is a first for Australia and cements South Australia’s position as a leader in both cleantech and nanotechnology.
For information on future Adelaide Cleantech Network events please email acn@auscleantech.com.au
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