150 People Attend the Sydney Cleantech Network Launch

The Sydney Cleantech Network launched with a packed room of 150 people in attendance. The event was hosted by KPMG at their offices on Sussex Street.

The attendees listened to Roger Price from Innovation Capital talk about their investee company Windlab Systems and how it has changed from a technology provider into an international wind farm developer. Importantly Roger also explained how VCs invest in people and businesses and that technology is just an enabling factor.

Five companies then did 'two minute pitches' explaining their products and services and detailing their upcoming funding requirements. The companies were:

- CMA Corporporation - A leading integrated Australian-based recycling group that provides products and services to customers across three continents.

- Acoustica - Commercialising the world’s best "Green" Noise Barrier - Quietwave® Captive Membrane Technology.

- T3Energy - Developer of both a solar space heating and super-insulated building technologies will reduce energy consumption in homes by up to 80% while offering a competitive and compelling alternative to conventional homes.

- Azure Energy - The Azure Energy ALI system produces seven forms of energy from Solar Energy, in all weather conditions

- Universal Power Storage - Universal Power Storage (UPS) has the only invention in the Massive Electrical Storage (MES) space that can potentially deliver the largest scale electrical storage system in the world: rectifying the largest market failure in the electricity market – base load storage.

Most importantly the attendees networked with people from cleantech companies, the finance sector, academia, professional services and the government.

The next event will be hosted by Clayton Utz on 19 November 2009 commencing at 5:30. Attendess must have registered to attend. Future functions will be hosted by Macquarie Bank, New Energy Finance, Griffith Hack and the ASX.

The Sydney Cleantech Network will hold events every couple of months. If you would like to be informed of future events or are interested in pitching please email scn@auscleantech.com.au.

Will Non-energy Cleantech be Left Behind?

The Renewable Energy Target (RET) legislation has been passed by the Australian legislature but the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) was defeated. What impact will this have on the cleantech sector, both in the short and longer terms?
Let’s start with the longer term and consider the prospects for cleantech companies in, say, five years time. This outcome is reliant on the key drivers behind the adoption of cleantech. In my view there are four unique and significant drivers behind the global move towards clean technologies – and only one of those relies on regulatory measures.

Firstly, cleantech solutions are being integrated into many real assets that provide core services, such as power, water, waste and recycling over the long term. This ensures that any over-exuberance in investments, comparable to the IT bubble of the early 2000s, has a lower bound and tangible level.

Secondly, the demand for these core services of energy, water and resources is growing due to both population growth and increasing wealth and its consequent improved standard of living.

Thirdly, as the world continues to use and deplete its natural resources there is increasing pressure on communities to act sustainably. Not only is the demand increasing but the supply of resources is decreasing, so it is essential to use more innovative technology to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

Finally, and certainly not most significantly, there is the recognition of climate change and the consequent regulatory regimes, such as the RET and the CPRS. This is a separate driver from those above and, whilst it will result in additional growth in some cleantech sub-sectors, it does not underpin the cleantech sector as a whole. As a result, the longer term growth of cleantech is assured and will be unstoppable.
So whether the RET and/or the CPRS, and their equivalents in other countries, are passed now, next year or the year after will have little impact on the long term growth of the sector. The long term winners will be those technologies that provide required solutions at the lowest costs. There may be some minor technology variations if the early stage subsidies are not provided, causing some of the individual technologies to fall in the valley of death. In general however, the sectors that could be winners will still be winners and the ‘petty politics’ of 2009 will become a mere detail in a few autobiographies of retiring and elderly ex-ministers.

A valid question is whether this will exhaust the investment appetite for cleantech leaving nothing for all the other sub-sectors. Will sub-sectors such as water, waste, vehicle technologies, energy efficiency and energy storage stagnate whilst their cleantech cousins in clean energy boom?

Will the delay and weakness of what may become the CPRS mean that Australia’s non-energy related clean technologies will remain on the shelf?

Looking back at the fundamental drivers of cleantech, the answer is clearly ‘no’. The other sub-sectors may not accelerate as fast in the short term and maybe the investment returns will not be so strong. However, the demand for increased resource efficiency, reduced waste and improved environmental performance will ensure that technologies across the cleantech spectrum will succeed even in the short term. We may go through a different ‘sliding door’ with respect to the uptake schedule and the exact technology mix and this may have profound impacts on individual companies and investments. From a sector level, however, the industry growth will continue and innovation and adoption will be widespread for all industries.

Cleantech is not reliant on regulatory regimes. Furthermore, for the technologies that improve efficiencies, reduce waste and consequently increase customer profits, investment will always be available.

Politics may influence the short term behaviours, but the long term drivers for cleantech adoption are far bigger than mere national politics.

This is an abridged version of an article that was originally published on Environmental Management News in August 2009. For the full version, please email info@auscleantech.com.au

CleanFutures Secures Grant to Commercialise World Leading Biosensor

An Adelaide company has secured funding to finalise prototypes and complete testing of a biosensor technology that is set to revolutionise the testing of water, wine and food throughout the world.

CleanFutures AquaSens, based in Adelaide, was formed specifically to develop the AquaSens biosensor. The technology is a rapid, highly sensitive sensor probe for the detection of nitrates and phosphates in water, and sulfites in wine and food products.

The technology was developed by Monash University in Victoria and had started its commercialisation process through a Victorian State Government body, Nanotechnology Victoria. When the funding was wound down for this body earlier this year, two South Australian entrepreneurs set about bringing the technology to Adelaide for further commercial development.

Kristin Alford and John O’Brien saw the global opportunity for the technology, secured the exclusive rights to commercialise it and established CleanFutures to bring to it to market.

Bio Innovation SA recognised this potential and has provided funding through its Business Development Initiative(BDI) grant to allow the final testing to be completed.

“We are delighted to support CleanFutures AquaSens and are excited about the potential their technology has for the water, wine and food industries,” said Mr Neil Finlayson, Bio Innovation SA’s Business Development Director.

The funding will enable CleanFutures AquaSens to design and manufacture industrial prototypes of the biosensor and to then conduct customer trials. One of these trials will be completed with the Australian Water Quality Centre, SA Water’s testing laboratory.

The technology allows for tests to be completed immediately and in the field rather than taking samples for further analysis in a laboratory. Results are within minutes rather than having to wait a week or more. Increased phosphates and nitrate levels are key indicators of the likelihood of blue-green algae forming. The use of this biosensor could provide early warning of problems in water bodies such as the River Murray.

“The BDI grant will enable CleanFutures AquaSens to complete critical milestones essential for progress through commercialisation, including designing and manufacturing an industrial prototype and conducting customer trials.”

“We are excited to be able to further the early commercialisation work conducted by Nanotechnology Victoria and Monash University”, said CleanFutures AquaSens’ CEO, Kristin Alford.

The issue of sulfite in wine is currently a major problem for the industry: as it is hard to detect and it is estimated that 1% of the population are sulfite-sensitive. With South Australia’s position as a leader in wine production, the development of the sulfite biosensor here is a natural fit. CleanFutures has arranged for the technology’s inventor, Professor Sam Adeloju from Monash, to work with both Flinders University and The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) to finalise the required research for the sulfite application of the AquaSens technology.

“Once proven the sulfite biosensor will enable all wineries to test every barrel of wine and make sure that sulfite levels are managed effectively. This will provide clearer consumer information for those that are sensitive to sulfite,” said John O’Brien, CleanFutures AquaSens’ CFO.

“The ability to test both water and wine on the spot will enable water companies and wine makers to be able to manage their products better. We believe that this technology will revolutionise testing the world over and further enhance South Australia’s reputation for clean technologies,” Dr Alford added.

Adelaide Cleantech Network Drinks - Tuesday 6 October 5:30

You are invited to attend the Adelaide Cleantech Network drinks on Tuesday 6 October 2009 at 5:30 until 7:00pm at the Historian Hotel, 18 Coromandel Place, Adelaide (between Pirie and Grenfell Streets and close to Gawler Place)

To be added to the distribution list for future events please email acn@auscleantech.com.au

The evening is sponsored by ZeroWaste SA and will include:
- a short presentation on a successful commercial sustainability case study funded in part by ZeroWaste SA.
- 2 minute pitches from growth companies looking for investors. This is your chance to tell the Adelaide Cleantech community what you are looking for or what you have achieved.

Details of the pitching companies will be provided here the week before the event.

There is no charge for attendance but bookings are required. Please RSVP by COB on Friday 2 October to rsvp@auscleantech.com.au


Interested in Pitching?
Companies that are investor ready and actively seeking investment are invited to undertake a two minute pitch. Also companies looking to announce progress or updates. The two minutes will be strictly enforced and you will be able to have a single slide on the screen. There will be a limited number companies invited to pitch at each event. If you are interested in pitching at this event or future events, please email pitching@auscleantech.com.au with your single proposed slide for more information.

Launch of the Sydney Cleantech Network

The Launch of the Sydney Cleantech Network will be held on Tuesday 22 September 2009 from 5:30pm until 7:00pm at the offices of KPMG

at Level 15, 10 Shelley Street, Sydney (entry also via 7 Sussex St)

The evening will include:
- the formal launch and a presentation on the progress of the cleantech sector in NSW by the Hon Carmel Tebbutt, NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate Change and the Environment.
- two minute pitches from companies seeking finance or partners

Further information is available at the Sydney Cleantech Network group on Linked-in at http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1928638&trk=hb_side_g

To be added to the distribution list for future events please email scn@auscleantech.com.au

Adelaide CleanTech Network drinks - Tuesday 4 August 2009

5:30 until 7:00pm
at the Thomson Playford Cutlers’ offices at
Level 7, 19 Gouger Street, Adelaide

To be added to the distribution list for future events please email acn@auscleantech.com.au

The August 2009 event included:
- a short presentation on the how the Australian Institute of Commercialisation and the Clean Energy Innovation Centre can help South Australian cleantech companies

- 2 minute pitches from four growth companies looking for investors, partners or just wanting to announce company developments. The companies that pitched at this event were:

- WattWatchers - energy and emissions home monitoring system - www.wattwatchers.com.au

- Lumenite - luminscent lighting equipment - www.lwp-lumenite.com

- COPROH - large scale biosequestration and land rehabilitation

- Cogen Microsystems - small scale distributed solar/gas hybrid cogenration systems - www.cogenmicro.com


The following companies have pitched at previous Adelaide Cleantech Network events:

- Flinders University Materials & BioEnergy Group - Nanomaterials for Stormwater harvesting

- CleanFutures - biosensors for Nitrates, Phosphates and Sulfites - www.cleanfutures.com.au

- Acquasol Infrastructure Ltd - large scale solar thermal/gas hybrid power and water generation project - www.acquasol.com.au

- Open Energy - demand management systems - www.openenergy.com.au

- Seadov - second generation wind turbines - www.seadov.com

Green Benefits for all Business

Many businesses might assume that sustainability, emissions and cleantech are issues for only big corporates and that they do not have time to worry about these ‘nice-to-haves’. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are usually so focussed on ensuring sales, keeping costs down and chasing cash flows that, regardless of personal persuasions, keeping the company afloat rates a long way above saving the environment.

These views are exasperated by two types of media coverage of climate change: the no-hope horror stories inciting paralysing terror; and the ‘happy ever after thanks to science’ approach offering an effortless solution.

The continual coverage of melting ice sheets, sea level rises, droughts, severe storms and crop failures is essential in providing a context for debate on climate change. However, the tone is often so cataclysmic, so intent on relishing predictions of upcoming disasters, that many people are left with the defeatist attitude ‘We have passed the tipping point rendering all action pointless’.

Stories of wonderful ‘silver bullet’ inventions that will ‘solve’ the climate change problem are equally as damaging. Tales of genetically modified carbon-munching trees, or dumping iron filings into the ocean allow the listeners to relax and dismiss cautionary news. To those accepting such stories, the problem appears insignificant in the face of man’s scientific innovation.

However, if done well, ‘green’ activities can save money and increase sales for all companies. It does not need to be an extra task needing more management time but rather an excuse to review the business plan and position the company ahead of its competitors and ready for future growth.

There are many people offering to do ‘emissions audits’ and to provide carbon offsets, and these have their place. Much greater value can be secured however by a business assessing its strategies before adopting the quick fix (and extra costs) of carbon offsets. There are two key aspects of a business, whether it produces goods or services, that will drive the greatest increase in the bottom line.

Firstly, how can processes be changed to reduce waste and therefore increase efficiency? The waste may be measured in terms of input materials, consumables, utilities (power and water) and even human resources. The solutions might involve installing new equipment, streamlining approvals processes or recycling waste back into the start of the process. For all the inputs and outputs of a business, whatever it may produce, a balance can be drawn up to show what creates value and what creates waste. Waste streams can then either be reduced or beneficially used.

Waste is just a resource to which insufficient imagination has been applied. Once the waste streams are understood then some imagination and innovation can be applied to utilise and create value from some of these resources. These solutions often need external technical and business process advice to overcome the problem of managers ‘not knowing what they don’t know’.

Secondly, business must look outwards to see what changes are occurring to their business environment. Most importantly, an understanding of how its clients’ needs are changing. Large corporates are starting to look at the supply chain emissions of multiple inputs, Governments want to be seen to be procuring sustainably, hotels are assessing the environmental footprint of their menus and householders are increasingly buying ‘green’. If a company does not anticipate these changes, it will lose market share. If it continues to ignore them, it will go broke. By moving early, however, it is possible to gain customers and move ahead of competitors.

Over time, sustainability and climate change will change every aspect of how our communities work. This change presents huge opportunities for those willing to grab them. Opportunities to both improve their internal processes and to anticipate the changing needs of their customers. Those that do not evolve and are focussed only on the problems will find themselves left well behind. Which will you choose to be?

Australian CleanTech works with businesses to help them understand their efficiencies and the changing supply chain environment.

Open Letter to Senator Fielding

13 July 2009

Dear Senator

As you would know, the news today widely reported that you have been unable to find coherent answers to your reasonable queries on climate change and have raised this issue with your fellow parliamentarians.

I am by no means a climate scientist, but I have heard some reasonably compelling answers to the points that you have raised. In Australia, Professor Barry Brook at the University of Adelaide is able to provide detailed explanations that may help arrest your concerns. I will be seeing Barry tomorrow and will let him know that you may be in contact.

Through contacts in the US and in Europe, I can also connect you with other leading global climate scientists who will be able to provide you with as much detail as you wish to see. There is of course no absolutes, no absolute proof – science as you know is merely a question of fitting the most likely cause with the most obvious consequence. The evidence appears however to be reasonably conclusive on many of the key points.

I would agree with you that science is not perfect. This is continually demonstrated in scientific fields such as medicine, but we continue to take treatments even when the diagnosis is not perfect. Like the human body, there is undoubtedly far more to learn and far greater understanding of our climate to be gained.

Some might consider the fact that the vast majority of global climate scientists agree in overview (if not in detail) to be merely a conspiracy of self-reinforcement amongst all those ‘white coats’. Others might consider that in fact the weight of probability appears to be strongly in favour of anthropogenic climate change caused by emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

In the unlikely event that all the leading scientists have got it wrong, there is an interesting consideration that I first heard raised by Professor Stephen Schneider of Stanford University. He asked a public meeting in Adelaide Town Hall how many in the audience had house insurance, to which many hands were raised. He then asked how many people have had their house burn down, to which one poor chap at the back raised his hand. To many who have thought seriously about the issue, the insurance of reducing carbon emissions appears to be a sensible precaution just in case the world’s climate scientists happen to be correct.

If you are right, then I will happily applaud you once the scientists are standing with you. That you may be wrong and, through your actions, may even manage to turn global opinion against the climate science community, worries me immensely. I wish to invest in climate insurance for my family.

If there is a hint of uncertainty, then taking the safe route through backing the majority of climate scientists appears to be the only rationale course of action.

Please let me know if you would like to be introduced to any particular climate scientists – I would be more than happy to facilitate this through my contacts.

I apologise for making this an open letter with the media, but it is an issue that is too important to remain in private.

Best regards
John

BOOK LAUNCH SEMINARS

Opportunities Beyond Carbon: Looking Forward to a Sustainable World

The book Opportunities Beyond Carbon: Looking Forward to a Sustainable World was launched in June at the Adelaide ‘Economy of the Future’ seminar. The book is published by Melbourne University Press.

The Sydney book launch seminar was held on Friday 10 July at the EBA's offices in Pott's Point. The Melbourne book launch seminar was held on Friday 17 July at Investec's offices on Collins Street.

‘Verily I say unto you: this is a new New Testament, containing hope of a planetary resurrection ... Read this book. Immediately. This book should be set to music and sung aloud by all policy makers.’
Phillip Adams, broadcaster, columnist.


The book aims to recast the debate on climate change from one of fear and problems to one of hope and opportunity. It contains a collection of essays from key politicians, investors, business people, activists and academics on how to make the most of the current predicament. The authors include the Hon Greg Hunt MP, the environment spokesperson for the Federal Opposition, Professor Sir David King of the University of Oxford, Bill Mckibben, the renowned American author, and Tenke Zoltani who works with Lord Nicholas Stern in London.

This fresh, lucid and practical optimism for the future offers a foundation for an entirely new and proactive attitude to climate change.

Opportunities Beyond Carbon presents climate change as potentially the ‘best crisis we ever had’. It maps the many opportunities for communities large and small, local and international, making the transition to a low carbon economy.

At the Adelaide launch, the book’s editor, John O’Brien said that ‘Media stories on climate change either focus on the dire consequences or on the ‘silver bullet’ scientific solutions. The community views the first as a reason not to get involved as the problem is too big and too remote in time and place. The second type of story also provides a reason not to get involved by telling themselves that “those clever scientist will sort it out for us!”'

‘By telling positive stories about beneficial changes made because of climate change, it will be possible to engage all levels of community and change the focus from one of fear to one of opportunity.’

‘The future visions provided in this book give cause for hope, optimism and celebration.’

The seminars feature some of the authors and provide insights into the science and regulatory status, the opportunities and solutions and how to secure the finance needed to pay for the transition.


Endorsements for the book include the following:

Ever since a former Astronomer Royal announced that “space travel is impossible” we have found ways to postpone the future. But there are much better things to do with carbon than setting it alight. This terrific book explores some of the most exciting alternatives—for a future replete with energy, sustainability and choice. Never before have the real possibilities been so interesting.
Robyn Williams, host of The Science Show, ABC Radio

By focussing on the opportunities rather than the challenges of climate change, this book provides an excellent platform to drive changes with tangible benefits for all. The breadth of opportunities covered gives hope that this will indeed be the ‘best crisis we ever had’.
Mark Lynas, author of Six Degrees: Our Future on a Hotter Planet.


The book can be purchased online from Melbourne University Press at www.mup.com.au/page/118

Can Australasia lead the Cleantech world?

Australia and New Zealand have the opportunity to
leverage our technology innovation and green image to become global Cleantech leaders, driving a new wave of investment and green collar jobs.


The Adelaide Cleantech Network ran a seminar in early April that brought together some of Australasia’s leading Cleantech proponents. This practical discussion was designed to stimulate the relationships and business linkages that drive innovation, connecting attendees with potential clients, technology leaders, investors, researchers and policy leaders.

The event was run in collaboration with the Australia New Zealand Business Council and the Water Industry Alliance.

Speakers at the event included:
- His Excellency John Larkindale, New Zealand High Commissioner
- David Klingberg, Chairman of the Premier's Climate Change Council
- Andrew Dickson, Wind Prospects, on ‘The Growth of the Australasian Wind Industry to 2020’
- Professor Gus Nathan, University of Adelaide on ‘Sustainable utilisation of energy’
- Sean Ebert, Worley Parsons on ‘Australia’s solar thermal potential’
- Helga Brigden, Mercer Investment Consulting on ‘Harnessing superannuation money for cleantech initiatives’
- Kerry Rooney, Austrade on ‘International initiatives to sell Australasian cleantech’
- Vaughan Levitske , ZeroWaste on waste and recycling initiatives

It is hoped to stage this as an annual Australian New Zealand initiative.