Uni champions CQ as the place to power energy technologies
Published on 02 June, 2010
CQUniversity has taken a big step towards convincing the Queensland Government to focus clean energy initiatives in Central Queensland, using the region as a portal and pilot for the rest of the State...
It has also championed Gladstone, in particular, as the ideal centre for the 'industrialisation' of intellectual property flowing from research, which could involve multiple partners.
Queensland's Parliamentary Secretary for Mines and Energy Michael Choi* spent half a day at CQUniversity this week (Monday May 31) while in Rockhampton for Community Cabinet.
LINK HERE for Uni backs bid for CQ 'Cleantech' zone as legacy of mining boom
Researcher eyes better treatment for coal seam methane gas water
Hosted by the Institute for Resource Industries and Sustainability, he heard an overview by Dr Anna Thomas and acknowleged the potential of a range of specific energy-related projects.
Dr Colin Cole explained the push to identify optimum track usage conditions and economic tipping points at which hybrid locomotives become viable.
"While major locomotive manufacturers are spending large amounts of money on these new technologies, CQUniversity's research will be vital in gaining maximum benefit from these new hybrid trains," Mr Choi said.
"In an electrified network, regenerative braking will offer energy savings, while for diesel locomotives, a combination of regenerative braking and battery storage of energy produced for further use will offer similar savings."
The visiting MP took the opportunity to start-up a utility using biodiesel generated at the University from the native beauty leaf tree and said he was impressed by progress on CQUniversity's Biofuels projects, as explained by Associate Professor Nanjappa Ashwath.
"Alternative fuels are a key part of creating a clean energy future and CQUniversity's research on producing biodiesel from native trees and algae for uses in motor vehicles is having impressive results."
Mr Choi heard a Smart Grid, Clean Energy and Energy Demand presentation by Dr Amanullah Maung Than Oo and said energy efficiency will also play a vital role in protecting the environment.
CQUniversity's Power Engineering Research Group and its partners are seeking ways to balance the increasing demands on the State's energy resources with environmental sustainability.
"CQUniversity in conjunction with Rockhampton Regional Council and Ergon Energy will be building an energy neutral home which will have zero emissions. This concept will be used as a model to investigate energy efficiency technologies for the Queensland-based homes."
Mr Choi heard from Ben Kele about the latest technology being evaluated to treat water used in the coal methane extraction phase of the LNG industry, to ensure the by-product is useful for irrigation rather than harming soils.
He heard from Dr Susan Kinnear about the latest moves to make CQ region a leader in 'CleanTech' industries and from Professor John Rolfe about surveys to gauge public priorities, or the social acceptance of and demand for various energy strategies.
* Michael Choi's full title is Parliamentary Secretary for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Trade