NEWCASTLE INSTITUTE FOR ENERGY AND RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2020 - 2021
CONTENTS FOREWORD 2 GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
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NIER BY NUMBERS
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TEN YEARS OF NIER
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MILESTONES & ACHIEVEMENTS
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VALUE PROPOSITION
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REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT
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WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH
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INDUSTRY COLLABORATION 20 RESEARCH EDUCATION 24 NIER respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which our precinct is situated, the Pambalong clan of the Awabakal Nation. We also pay respect to the traditional owners of the lands on which our activities are undertaken, and acknowledge all Elders past, present and emerging from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations.
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS 26 PhD PATHWAYS
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RESEARCH CENTRES & GROUPS
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FOREWORD For the past ten years, the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources, now more commonly known as NIER, has facilitated multidisciplinary research and industry engagement to drive innovation. What began as a plan to deliver a best practice industry and academia collaboration to drive competitiveness in the energy and resources sectors, has evolved to become a flagship research institute that contributes solutions for some of the world's biggest challenges. Today, in collaboration with 19 hosted research centres and groups and 173 active industry partners, NIER is supporting the sustainable use of the world's resources and strengthening regional resilience through worldclass research, industry collaboration, research education and innovative solutions. As we celebrate our 10-year milestone, we reflect on the original concept for NIER, which stemmed from a conversion of ideas from industry and academic leaders who saw what was needed to innovate the energy and resources sectors and took the opportunity to make it happen. With the unique facility afforded to us through the purchase of the former BHP Central Research Laboratories, we were able to translate the vision of NIER into reality, and we are honoured to continue a legacy of innovation at the Precinct. As the Executive Director of NIER, I am proud of our successes over the last decade, and strongly believe that these are due to the collective effort of many people and circumstance. It’s the timing of NIER's establishment coupled with national priorities and a need for innovation in the economy. It's the potential of the infrastructure and a dedicated facility. It's the integration of people's unique skills from many disciplines and, most importantly, it's about the industry partners who engage with us and whose challenges align with the solutions we can deliver. At NIER, we know that when industry, academia and the next generation of engineers and scientists come together, we can truly achieve more than we could ever do by ourselves. NIER's impact comes from the platform of collaborative engagement we offer and the partnerships we form. NIER is connecting ideas to people and places to propel research that responds to local, national and global needs. Initiatives including the NSW Energy and Resources Knowledge Hub that links businesses, researchers and government to drive innovation and growth, and our Doctoral Training Centres which are training the next industry leaders, are evidence of the value of connection and a shared vision. With our partners, within our local and global regions, we are committed to advancing our contributions to sectors underpinning social, environmental and economic prosperity - energy, resources, food and water - and to helping meet the vital resource needs of future generations. I share with you this summary of NIER's achievements from the past financial year.
PROFESSOR ALAN BROADFOOT Executive Director
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DR MIRJANA PRICA
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MANAGING DIRECTOR FOOD INNOVATION AUSTRALIA (CHAIR)
MS LOUISE CORDINA
GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CORDINA GROUP (DEPUTY CHAIR)
DR PETER MAYFIELD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND WATER CSIRO
MR DARREN CLEARY MANAGING DIRECTOR HUNTER WATER CORPORATION
MR JOHN RICHARDS
ADVISORY BOARD NIER’s management, strategic direction and initiatives are steered by a dedicated governance framework representing both internal and external stakeholders, and the research centres and groups that collectively create the NIER model. The Advisory Board’s input is gratefully recognised for its contribution to NIER activities including identifying opportunity pathways, building capacity and refocusing priorities to support our regional industries and communities, whilst ensuring our alignment to the University’s overarching 2020-2025 Strategic Plan - Looking Ahead. A significant contribution by the Board in the reporting period was advice regarding the update of NIER’s value proposition and associated key messaging. This update was deemed necessary considering the natural expansion of our research focus following a decade of working with industry and tracking market shifts, as well as the revised university corporate strategy which was delivered last year.
Since commencing operations, NIER’s research has broadened from an energy and resources focus to also incorporate research in the areas of food and water. It was agreed that NIER’s overall purpose is to deliver solutions for global challenges and therefore important for these elements be reflected in our logo. As a result, and with the guidance of the Advisory Board, we have modified the NIER logo and redefined our research capability theme areas and core functions. These updates are further explained on pages 12 & 13 of this Annual Report. The Advisory Board is supportive of NIER’s objective moving forward - to strengthen regional resilience through the delivery of sustainable solutions for global challenges. A special thank you to Professor Brett Ninness, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the (former) Faculty for Engineering and Built Environment, for his invaluable contributions as an internal Board member from 2013 - 2020.
CHAIRMAN BLOOMFIELD GROUP
MR ROD NAYLOR NATIONAL WATER LEAD GHD
MRS CLARE SYKES INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT LARKIN SYKES
MR KIM HOCKINGS PRINCIPAL TECHNICAL MARKETING BHP COAL STRATEGY AND PLANNING
MR ROB COOPER SENIOR MANAGER, CORPORATE AFFAIRS AGL MACQUARIE
"When NIER look at a problem they come with a pretty broad understanding of what that problem actually needs to be solved, and so not only do NIER get a good stream of research tasks, but also industry get some really practical, innovative solutions to real day problems. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship."
MR ADRIAN BEER CEO METS IGNITED
PROF JANET NELSON DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR, RESEARCH & INNOVATION THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE
- Mr John Richards
PROF LEE SMITH PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR COLLEGE FOR ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT
PROF ALAN BROADFOOT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NEWCASTLE INSTITUTE FOR ENERGY AND RESOURCES
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NIER BY NUMBERS JULY 2020- JUNE 2021
19
Research Centres & Groups
146
Engaged University Researchers
TOTAL 125
ADV. MANUFACTURING 1
OTHER 10
ENVIRONMENT 24
WATER 12
FOOD 18
RESOURCES 35
ENERGY 25
Grants by Sector 257
173
PhD Students Supported by NIER Centres
Active Industry Partners
Funding by Sector 19
International Partners
3.8 ha Precinct Size
5%
20%
16%
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
22%
35%
Repeat Clients
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360+ Precinct Occupants
TWO
Global & Regional Nodes
FIVE Industrial Workshops
25% 6%
6%
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TEN YEARS OF NIER WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH | INDUSTRY COLLABORATION RESEARCH EDUCATION | INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS In 2010, The University of Newcastle was awarded $30m from the Federal Government's Education and Investment Fund (EIF) to build and establish NIER, and to create a critical mass of leading researchers across multiple disciplines, to undertake innovation research for next generation energy production and distribution solutions. Today, after a decade of activity, construction and growth, NIER operates five industrial workshops, three glasshouses, numerous laboratories and hosts over 360 precinct occupants. Together with 19 research centres and groups, around 140 engaged University researchers and 170 active industry partners, we are currently supporting over 250 PhD students to become the next leaders in their fields. NIER’s footprint includes the regional node of the Upper Hunter, and the Pacific node in Samoa, along with facilities for our Doctoral Training Centre for Food & Agribusiness at the Central Coast campus. As NIER enters the next decade of operations, we are even more committed and driven to provide the facilities, research expertise, multidisciplinary partnerships, and high quality education and training required to deliver the problem solvers and solutions that the world needs.
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NIER was established with a clear agenda – to provide a multidisciplinary model for critical research in energy and resources. The University of Newcastle | 9
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MILESTONES & ACHIEVEMENTS
2018 Doctoral Training Centre for Advanced METS launched (the University’s first)
2015 Launch of the ARC Industrial Transformation Hub for $9m Mineral Carbonation Advanced Technologies for Demonstration Project (MCi) Australian Iron Ore launched at NIER – a state and federal government Stage 1B New Research Building funded partnership with Works completed GreenMag Group and Orica
Pacific Node in Samoa launched in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program
2013 2010 Successful funding announcement Purchase of former BHP Central Research Laboratories site
New Research Building Stage 1A completed
2011 Official opening on 15 July Inaugural NIER Governance Board established NIER Precinct Masterplan developed Stage 1 Integration Works completed Stage 1 Refurbishment & Occupation Works completed
2012
Official opening of the New Research Building (C Block)
2016 Full occupation of the New Research Building
Innovation Launchpad initiative commenced under NSW Energy & Resources Knowledge Hub
2020 Doctoral Training Centre for Food & Agribusiness launched Australian National Fabricating Facility (ANFF) Materials Node campus factory in functional material manufacturing opens
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2017
2019
2021
NIER wins bid to host the NSW Energy & Resources Knowledge Hub
University of Newcastle Upper Hunter opened in Muswellbrook
ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling EcoEfficient Beneficiation of Minerals is awarded $35 million by the Australian Government
Part of successful bid to host a NERA Regional Hydrogen Technology Cluster - NewH2 - in the Hunter Region
$30m funding for Ventilation Air Methane Abatement awarded to the Priority Research Centre for Frontier Energy Technologies & Utilisation – the largest funding award to the University for a single project
NIER expands research agenda in the facilitation of the Global Impact Cluster for Energy, Resources, Food & Water
First cohort of targeted Pacific Scholarships commence
NIER Advisory Board established
Works commenced on New Research Building Stage 1A Implementation of a comprehensive NIER Health & Safety Management System Stage 2 Refurbishment & Occupation Works completed
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VALUE PROPOSITION Energy, metals and minerals, food and water are the critical resources which underpin social, environmental and economic prosperity. The impact of challenges relating to the security and sustainability of these resources is being felt throughout the world. At NIER, we are exploring ways to make the use of these resources more sustainable through world-class research, industry collaboration, research education and innovative solutions. Focused on service and innovation of the energy, resources, food and water sectors, our key research capability areas are aimed at helping to meet the vital resource needs of future generations. KEY RESEARCH CAPABILITY AREAS:
• INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION to unlock sector potential with a new generation of materials, processes, technologies and services.
• PRODUCTIVITY & EFFICIENCY to optimise the use of critical resources and enhance processes to reduce waste.
• TECHNOLOGIES & UTILISATION to transfer the latest technology into sectors of
NIER’S RESEARCH FOCUS HAS EXPANDED TO SUPPORT SECTORS OF GLOBAL SIGNIFICANCE
ENERGY RESOURCES FOOD
significance for sustainability and competitive advantage.
• SUSTAINABILITY & SECURITY to meet the environmental, social and economic priorities for stronger, more resilient regions.
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WATER
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REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT The regions we work in have unique social, environmental and economic challenges that demand a specialised approach. Quality engagement with our partners allows NIER to tap into local knowledge and leverage local attributes, which helps improve environmental outcomes and create new opportunities for regional resilience.
HUNTER The Hunter region was chosen as the geographic base for NSW’s only Hydrogen Technology Cluster. The awarding of the Cluster, known as NewH2, highlights the region’s standing as an energy capital and will leverage the Hunter’s manufacturing base, existing infrastructure, research strengths and skilled energy and resources workforce to become a global leader in a new hydrogen and energy economy. NewH2 was formed with the involvement of the Hunter’s leading industry associations and networks and is representative of the Hunter, Central Coast and Orana regions of NSW. The Hunter region hosts a highly skilled workforce, including advanced manufacturing, and technology and engineering expertise in the energy and resources sectors, making it critical to the development of a clean, innovative, competitive, technology-neutral and safe Australian hydrogen industry. Clusters were recognised in the National Hydrogen Strategy as an important component to scale up Australia’s domestic industry to become a global hydrogen competitor. NewH2 offers opportunities to build on existing networks to drive industry collaboration and strengthen hydrogen technology capabilities and supply chains across the breadth of NSW.
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CENTRAL COAST The University’s dedicated Ourimbah Campus is a focal point for applied research in regional water security, innovation in food and agribusiness, climate adaptation, and healthy communities, coasts and catchments. This year saw collaborative activities including the launch of the Food and Agribusiness Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) and partnerships to advance research on wastewater treatment systems, cold chain technology for oyster transportation, flavour and aroma improvements to baked goods, and alternative heat sources for food production. NIER continues to work closely with Central Coast Industry Connect and RDA Central Coast to advance a regional food innovation initiative. NIER supports the activities of the Central Coast Food Alliance by delivering applied research to bridge knowledge gaps, addressing targeted industry challenges such as energy-smart food, and developing platforms to engage and empower students and industry through the DTC and regional vocational STEM programs.
PACIFIC Since its inception, the Pacific Node in Samoa has been focused on creating collaborative partnerships for development. This has included the delivery and expansion of a dedicated PhD program in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and various research engagements with international and regional organisations, governments, industry, and academic institutions to deliver research for impact in areas including plastic pollution, climate change and disaster resilience, and biodiversity protection.
ensure that people enjoy peace and prosperity. The University was ranked number one in the world in SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals, which recognises that 'a sustainable future can only be realised with shared vision, strong partnerships and cooperation' – the concept that underpins our activity in the Pacific region.
ORANA The Orana and Central West regions of NSW are major focal points for renewable energy, Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) and infrastructure projects for the state. The Orana Opportunity Network (O2N) was established in 2020 as a formalised industry network to support businesses across the region to improve export capability, sustainability, connectivity and investment opportunities to drive regional industry growth. Facilitated through NIER, the University of Newcastle is a founding member of O2N, with the aim to support industry and research engagement in the region, and to connect the University with industry and major projects in the Orana and Central West. It is recognised by the region that with a $11.4B project pipeline, the relationship between the Orana and Hunter regions will be closely intertwined through supply chain connections and research partnerships. This year, the O2N coordinated an outbound trip to Newcastle to experience the multidisciplinary capabilities and expertise of the University's researchers and to view the specialised equipment and infrastructure at the NIER Precinct, providing the framework for future engagement and partnerships.
The Node has been recognised as contributing to the University's recent success in the 2021 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which assess universities against the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and act as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and
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17 INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION
SUSTAINABILITY & SECURITY
Research teams in materials engineering, advanced nanomaterials and organic electronics drive the advancement of next generation low cost, sustainable materials for commercial application in a variety of sectors including energy, medical, defence and the environment.
Sustainable products and processes are being used to capture added value from environmental and agricultural management practices, bringing new products, processes and innovative skills to regional Australia and the Pacific.
The Priority Research Centre for Organic Electronics, a global leader in the emerging field of ‘functional printing’ directed by Professor Paul Dastoor, uses conventional printing technologies on recyclable plastic to manufacture clever, high performing, low-cost solar technology and biosensors. This year the Centre’s research reached commercialisation and manufacturing phase with industry partners IQ Group and Kardinia Energy, expanding opportunities for the establishment of advanced manufacturing facilities in the Hunter region. The Global Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, under the leadership of Professor Ajayan Vinu, this year began work in partnership with Australian Industries, Minotaur and Andromeda developing capture and conversion technology with the aim of significantly reducing carbon emissions. The team is also focused on bioplastics prototypes with improved functionality and environmental performance as plastic alternatives.
WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH NIER facilitates multidisciplinary problem solving and access to large-scale specialised research infrastructure to help realise market-ready solutions. Our research is targeted to service the energy, resources, food and water sectors with specific capabilities falling into four key thematic categories: • Industrial Innovation • Sustainability and Security • Technologies and Utilisation • Productivity and Efficiency
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A collaboration with AdvanCell Isotopes was also entered into this year through the Nanomaterials Research Group led by Professor Thomas Nann. AdvanCell Isotopes is involved in the production and supply of alpha emitting isotopes for targeted therapy for cancer. The Nanomaterials Research group was involved in the fabrication of devices for the harvesting of alpha emitting isotopes, which was facilitated by the sponsorship of an internship project by the company.
NANOTEMPLATING Professor Ajayan Vinu and his team are using tiny structures found in Australian Kaolin clay as a template to create a remarkable new material capable of capturing carbon dioxide emissions and its conversion to clean fuels. The clay contains tiny tubular nanostructures called Halloysite nanotubes which are ideal for binding to a range of advanced nanostructures. These are effectively used for carbon capture and conversion, energy storage and hydrogen storage and generation.
Biotechnologist and water quality specialist Professor Brett Neilan, a member of the Food Science and Coastal and Marine Research Groups, is leading a project stream of a newly awarded ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology. The research will focus on the design and construction of biological systems that can convert biomass from agriculture or waste streams to biofuel, biodegradable pesticides, bioplastics and other high value chemicals. As part of the Soil CRC, researchers across a number of centres, including the Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, and the Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials are using their expertise in soil science, nanotechnology, environmental and analytical chemistry, to develop new fertilisers, soil amendments and delivery mechanisms for farmers to enhance the performance of their soils. These products will introduce emerging technologies – such as polymers, nanotechnology and biotechnology – and use innovative ways to mine nutrients from waste streams. NIER researchers are established leaders in PFAS remediation research, with ARC funded PFAS research supporting the development of innovative technologies to investigate and remediate PFAS-contaminated soil, groundwater, waterways and marine systems: The Priority Research Centre for Frontier Energy Technologies and Utilisation this year began development and advancement of the PFAS Harvester to combat PFAS contamination; and, the Global Centre for Environmental Remediation is using a combination of electrochemistry and sonochemistry to destroy and detoxify PFAS. Other highlights include: •
The Centre for Water, Climate and Land is working with the Hunter Lakes Corporation to develop the Hunter Lakes Scheme which will use old mine voids to create an interconnected lake system between Muswellbrook and Broke that will improve water security and environmental sustainability. The scheme is based on German mineremediation in Lusatia, Brandenburg, in which voids from open-cut coal mining were flooded after German reunification in the 1990s.
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The Global Centre for Environmental Remediation is taking a risk-based management approach to dealing with mining contamination by undertaking research on the short and long-term risks to sensitive receptors, tools for monitoring and prioritising risks, and technological advances for rehabilitation.
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RESEARCH AWARDS
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LAUREATE PROF KEVIN GALVIN Elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science for contributions to mineral processing
DR JESSICA ALLEN
PRODUCTIVITY & EFFICIENCY
Research in low emission and storage technology options for energy and processing industries offers cost-effective solutions, strengthening both the economy and sustainable practice. This year NIER research teams have focused on new, large-scale demonstration of long-term abatement potential, high-efficiency, low emissions solutions, alongside carbon capture and storage and carbon sequestration techniques for a low-carbon future.
The ARC Centre for Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals, or COEMinerals, led by Laureate Professor Kevin Galvin, is focusing their research projects on addressing significant challenges in minerals processing, specifically, reducing energy and water consumption, achieving faster and more efficient separations, and achieving solidliquid separation to eliminate tailings dams. These objectives are critical to the broader goals of the sector in achieving zero emissions and reducing water consumption, and ensuring the Australian industry can contribute sustainably to the global shift from a carbon to a metals-based economy.
With partners Southern Green Gas, the renewable carbon neutral methane demonstration project is utilising the Hydro Harvester technology from Professor Behdad Moghtaderi's team at the Priority Research Centre for Energy Technologies and Utilisation. The ‘power to gas’ project will produce approximately 340kg of hydrogen per year, converting it into 35 gigajoules of methane that can then be injected into natural gas pipelines across the East Coast Gas Grid.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) fellowship from the Australian Research Council
PROF RAVI NAIDU
This year, lead electrochemist at the Priority Research Centre for Frontier Energy Technologies and Utilisation, Professor Scott Donne’s Direct Carbon Fuel Cell project achieved a major milestone with the completion of a 1 kW demonstration plant. Research in applied electrochemistry has also involved collaboration with the world’s largest producer of single wall carbon nanotubes, OCSiAl, on the inclusion of nanotubes into battery materials for enhanced energy storage performance.
Vice Chancellor's Excellence Awards, Global Engagement (winner)
PROF CRAIG WHEELER, DR MICHAEL CARR & DR BIN CHEN
COE Minerals' research projects are supported by a mix of honours, postgraduate and research staff, and are proceeding in parallel with other applied work including: opportunities to transform tailings recovery of tin in NSW using novel gravity separation; new approaches to recover and concentrate rare earth minerals in Western Australia; new laboratory investigations covering relatively coarse particles of chalcopyrite from North Queensland; and other work conducted on samples of silver and platinum. Other highlights include: •
Researchers from the Geomechanics group developed a novel autonomous terrestrial stereo-pair photogrammetric monitoring system to observe volumes falling from subvertical rock faces located in surface mining environments. The system has been implemented in a number of NSW Hunter Valley mine sites. This research group is also using its unique research equipment and state-of-the-art modelling expertise to support a new technical feasibility study for pumped hydro energy storage reservoirs.
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Researchers from the Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies have commenced a project to provide a step change improvement in the operational efficiency and service life of grinding mills through the development of advanced numerical models to simulate the grinding mill process. The outcome will be a hierarchical deep learning program to select optimal model parameters from which computational algorithms will optimise grinding mill geometries.
Other highlights include:
Vice Chancellor's Excellence Awards, Industry Engagement Award (finalists)
PRC FOR ORGANIC ELECTRONICS TEAM Vice Chancellor's Excellence Awards, Values Award (finalists)
A/PROF HANNAH POWER
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Novel mineral carbonation technologies for carbon capture and storage.
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Social research exploring receptibility of high efficiency low emission (HELE) technologies and carbon capture and storage, and social perceptions and attitudes of low emissions technology.
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Fuel and material utilisation in manufacturing, process and chemical industries such as coking coal in ironmaking and carbon dioxide utilisation for food industries, enhanced oil recovery, chemicals and fire suppressants.
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Integrated waste processing and utilisation with recovery and generation.
NIER researchers partner in new collaborative research centres:
2021 Young Tall Poppy Science Award from the Australian Institute of Policy and Science
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TECHNOLOGIES & UTILISATION
Photo credit: City of Newcastle
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ARC Training Centre for the Global Hydrogen Economy (GlobH2E, led by the University of NSW) - to advance the export of hydrogen fuel and advanced technologies, job creation, and a lower emissions domestic energy industry.
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ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Innovation (led by the University of Wollongong) - to support the sustainable transition of Australia's steelmaking industry.
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The Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC, led by the University of Adelaide) - to demonstrate new low carbon products across heavy industries both for local consumption and for export.
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RESOURCES
April 2021 saw the unveiling and successful demonstration of a new state-of-the-art green hydrogen fuel at Hyundai Australia’s hydrogen refuelling station in Sydney.
After a 10-year partnership spanning the history of NIER, BHP has demonstrated their ongoing support of the Centre for Ironmaking and Materials Research by extending their funding to enable the Centre to undertake a major research program in low-carbon ironmaking.
Pioneered by Professor Behdad Moghtaderi and his team in partnership with renewable energy technology company, Southern Green Gas, this first-of-its-kind green hydrogen fuel technology was used to power Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel cell SUV, the NEXO, showcasing the potential of Australian produced renewable fuels for the world’s zero emissions mobility sector.
“We’ve worked with Southern Green Gas to develop the ability to manufacture green hydrogen at a lab scale, the results of which we’re seeing demonstrated in the Hyundai hydrogen vehicle."
INDUSTRY COLLABORATION As the vital link between academia and industry, NIER activates collaboration and collective capacity to underpin research translation.
ENERGY RESEARCH ROADMAP Released this year, NIER's Energy Roadmap offers guiding principles and initiatives to support priority research and research education activities relevant to the energy sector. It’s a renewed opportunity for University of Newcastle researchers to engage with the energy sector in important priority areas of clean energy solutions, low emission technologies, energy productivity and utilisation, and energy integration. NIER's research roadmaps can be found by clicking on the Research Roadmaps link at newcastle.edu.au/nier
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- Professor Behdad Moghtaderi The hydrogen fuel technology employs Professor Moghtaderi’s Hydro Harvester innovation that is able to harvest pure water (H2O) from the air, then uses electrolysis (an electrical current generated from solar panels), to split the pure water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is then stored as a gas which can be used to power vehicles, and the oxygen is vented to the air. According to Professor Moghtaderi, the atmospheric water harvesting technique not only reduces the demand on existing water supplies, it also dramatically reduces hydrogen production cost by removing the need for treatment. “The water we produce via our Hydro Harvester technology is so pure it can be directly fed into the electrolyser, which is a huge advantage over other sources of water. Sea water, wastewater or even tap water require multiple treatment steps to reach the level of purity required in electrolysis”. Seeing this technology launched was a proud moment for Professor Moghtaderi and his team from the Priority Research Centre for Energy Technologies and Utilisation, who have worked to perfect it over several years. They are now looking forward to scaling the technology, working with Southern Green Gas toward commercial rollout and a wide range of possible applications.
The broadened scope involves research aimed at decreasing the greenhouse gas emissions of ironmaking, including conventional blast furnace ironmaking with the addition of hydrogen, and emerging alternate low-carbon ironmaking technologies. The program will also contribute to training the next generation of PhD researchers and engineers in this critical industry for Australia’s economy. The funding has been awarded through the BHP Climate Investment Program, focused on the scale up of low-carbon technologies critical to decarbonisation particularly in the resources sector. The longstanding partnership with BHP has evolved and strengthened through their sponsorship of the former ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Advanced Technologies for Australia Iron Ore - the first Hub of its kind at the University. Outcomes from the Hub’s research program underpin research advancements at NIER in areas such as the production of green steel, which have been made possible through the BHP partnership. Associate Professor Tom Honeyands, from the Centre for Ironmaking Materials Research says the partnership with BHP has been fundamental to research outcomes that are helping meet the challenges of climate change.
“Together with BHP, we have been able to quantify the maximum amount of hydrogen that can be injected into the blast furnace and are working to understand the impacts of this on the behaviour of Australian iron ores in the process.” - Associate Professor Tom Honeyands
The partnership between Professor Moghtaderi’s team and Southern Green Gas is also developing manufacturing capability across other renewable fuels, including green methane which is made by combining hydrogen with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Easily transported in existing gas pipeline infrastructure, green methane can be used as a renewable form of natural gas or converted back to hydrogen at the point of use.
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WATER
Food and agribusiness is a focal point for regional innovation and development, changing the economic and social role of food production, processing, distribution and food services more generally. Research in this area is delivering scientific and technological advances to improve productivity, efficiency and ultimately competitiveness for the sector.
Certainty about resource availability and maintaining the balance between community needs and critical industries is a complex challenge for regions. Climate impacts and growing communities mean we need to plan and invest in improved technologies and adaptive measures to ensure the security of our vital natural resources and ecosystems.
Research focus areas cover product science, climate resilience and sustainability, advanced technology and market access.
This year NIER progressed the implementation of our Water Research Roadmap to support and enhance research activity and translation to address these issues. Research teams contributed evidence-based knowledge, enabling technologies and improved management tools to optimise water resources for environmental, social and economic benefit.
Initiated this year, the Wine Provenance Project is set to benefit Australian wine exporters as they face current challenges in the global market by researching how the use of blockchain technologies on wine bottle labels can help Australian wine exporters build their brands overseas. Blockchain is digital ledger technology which allows linked blocks of product information such as ingredients, production milestones, environmental certification and provenance to be stored securely, transparently and without risk to tampering. This unique research project by PhD student Irma Dupuis and under guidance from Professor Lisa Toohey, Dr Tamara Bucher, and Dr Sidsel Grimstad, brings together a crossdisciplinary team of researchers and industry partners: Tamburlaine Wines, First Creek Wines, Multi-Color Corporation, and Laava.
“It’s important that blockchain technology is studied from the consumer perspective to give businesses valuable insights on marketing and anti-counterfeit.”
Professor Brett Neilan has this year led a project focusing on mitigating the risk of algal blooms in wastewater ponds in Melbourne, Perth and Newcastle. Research collaborators include Hunter Water Corporation, Melbourne Water Corporation and Port Stephens Council, along with partner universities. The knowledge derived from the project spanning three years will inform risk assessment and provide strategies for the mitigation of future bloom events, improving the security of our increasingly valuable recycled water resources. The data generated is also expected to lead to the revision of the Australian water quality guidelines covering recycled water and effluent, which will have long-term benefits for the economy, the environment and human health.
"Algal blooms pose a significant risk to the economy, the environment and public health. By using the latest molecular techniques to understand the causes and associated risk, we're contributing to the long-term benefits of water security."
- Dr Tamara Bucher Other projects underway are providing solutions for:
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Controlling fungal infection in citrus fruit through the use of essential oils.
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Improving quality and reducing losses when storing and handling fresh fruit with optimised packaging and cooling methods.
- Professor Brett Neilan Other projects underway are delivering impact to:
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Reducing waste of by-products from large scale production of plant based milks by turning it into saleable food items.
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Better understand water values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Hunter Water’s areas of operation.
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Improved understanding of consumer perceptions, attitudes and behaviours towards reduced alcohol and alcohol free wine.
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Improve flood planning management in regional Queensland.
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Address coastal erosion, and strengthen estuarine and coral reef ecosystem resilience.
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Absorb and decompose microplastics in water treatment, leading to cleaner waterways.
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25 ADVANCED METS DTC NIER's first Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) continues to support innovation, optimisation, efficiency, productivity and sustainability in the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) Sector. Through the collaborative involvement of industry partners including Bengalla Mining Company, Jord International, Metso:Outec, Muswellbrook Shire Council and MACH Energy, the DTC remains committed to creating new knowledge and driving better solutions to challenges and opportunities shaping the sector.
RESEARCH EDUCATION NIER is focused on delivering research education and training to meet the workforce needs of future industries.
PACIFIC NODE SCHOLARS The NIER facilitated PhD program in the Pacific has now expanded to a cohort of 7 students. Hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in Apia, Samoa, students are able to carry out research in the field in the Pacific, working on projects delivering cooperative solutions to the environmental, social and economic challenges faced by Pacific island communities. Through these targeted PhD scholarships to Pacific Islanders, project outcomes directly benefit the local community. Current research areas include the impact of marine plastics, effects of ocean acidification on coral reef adaptation and the bioremediation of WWII wrecks. Additional projects focus on improving management and climate resilience, through the study of the relationship between humans and invasive species and the impact of invasive species on ecosystem recovery.
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“Being part of the Doctoral Training Centre is incredibly important for the future of research. The DTC bridges the gap between academic research and industry to create long-lasting partnerships and drive impactful research." - Irma Dupuis, PhD student , Food and Agribusiness DTC
Now supporting its second cohort of students, the METS academic program is guided by Academic Convenor, Professor Kenneth Williams and Deputy Academic Convenor, Dr Jessica Allen.
FOOD AND AGRIBUSINESS DTC March 2021 saw the official opening of the newest DTC established by NIER, the Food and Agribusiness DTC at Ourimbah. As the first centre of its kind on the Central Coast, the Food and Agribusiness DTC will provide a platform for interdisciplinary research and training in an industry that has strong regional ties and is committed to collaboration through education and research. Industry engagement and Work Integrated Learning will be central to the DTC’s function. The DTC will focus on four key areas in the Food and Agribusiness space - product science, climate resilience and sustainability, advanced technology, and market access. Industry partners aiding the candidates’ research include NSW Department of Primary Industries, Hort Innovation, Hunter Local Land Services, Verdich Oysters, First Creek Wines, and Tamburlaine Organic Wines. “Our industry partners will benefit from having access to the University’s academic excellence and world-class facilities, as they investigate solutions to sector challenges, seek a competitive advantage and generally advance their business,” Dr Tamara Bucher, Academic Convenor of the Food and Agribusiness DTC, said. DTCs provide our partners with important opportunities to be involved with and invested in the next generation of food and agribusiness professionals – our candidates – who can offer new insights based on their own research, creating a truly mutually beneficial relationship.
CASE STUDY FINLAY JOHNSON PhD Student Reducing oyster over catch to increase farming productivity in Wallis Lake, NSW Oysters are extremely vulnerable to biofouling from the recruitment of “over catch” which is where the accumulation of unwanted oysters and other invertebrates cause degradation of oyster health and quality. Finlay’s research aims to understand how different environmental stressors influence oysters so that drying methods, which are used to prevent over catch, can be modified to minimise the impact on the primary oysters. Successful modification to oyster drying processes will reduce associated labour costs and increase quality of product to make farming practices more sustainable and profitable. This research project has been developed in partnership with Hunter Local Land Services, NSW DPI Fisheries and local oyster farmers in Wallis Lake. Working on the oyster leases with farmers and in laboratories with experts from the Port Stephens NSW DPI Fisheries ensures newly developed methods from Finlay’s research are practical, cost effective and immediately applicable for the oyster farming industry.
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27 JORD TECHNOLOGIES Innovative processing engineering company Jord has progressed research collaborations with NIER researchers that are delivering substantial outcomes for a range of industries. NOVACELL COARSE PARTICLE FLOTATION GENERATING OUTSTANDING RESULTS In collaboration with the Centre for Multiphase Processes led by Laureate Professor Graeme Jameson, Jord this year announced the launch of NovaCell - the next generation of coarse particle flotation technology.
Photo credit: City of Newcastle
The patented NovaCell flotation technology recovers a wide particle size range ensuring maximum product yield. Early results indicate NovaCell could unlock a 40% reduction in comminution energy and a 12% reduction in overall site operating cost.
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
VIPER TM TECHNOLOGY UNLOCKS SCALABLE, COST-EFFECTIVE TAILINGS FILTRATION
NIER drives technology transfer and impact at scale to improve social, economic and environmental outcomes for sectors of global significance.
PRINTED SOLAR MODULES The team at the Newcastle ANFF Hub and the Priority Research Centre for Organic Electronics has been instrumental in developing the printed solar technology that’s being used in the Lane Cove Solar Arbour - the only public place in Australia you can see a printed solar cell. With the recent signing of an initial $300k development contract with Kardinia Energy, the team led by Professor Paul Dastoor is moving their renewable energy technology closer to commercialisation as they focus on developing new higher performance materials to increase the power output of their solar modules.
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“As an educator and a father my greatest hope is that we may, through this public display, inspire young people interested in STEM to imagine the exciting and entirely new career possibilities that will exist for them, brought about through new industries like these. Young people inspired by this demonstration could become our first, pivotal wave of high-tech workers helping to bring printed solar to fruition – that’s an incredibly exciting idea.” - Professor Paul Dastoor
With support from our Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise (KEE) team, the University received its first commercial royalty payment from Jord International for our patented Viper technology, which improves moisture removal from iron ore products to increase product value and reduce the environmental impact of transport in the minerals sector. Jord have successfully sold over 40 Viper units in the technology's first year of commercial availability. Jord in collaboration with researchers from the Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies (Professor Craig Wheeler, Dr Peter Robinson, Professor Ken Williams and Dr Jens Plinke), developed the newly patented Viper technology which helps modern miners maximise the benefits of dewatering tailings, particularly at scale. More effective and efficient than conventional vacuum belt filters, this horizontal vacuum belt filter technology has been sold to a variety of major mining end users for three major applications; magnetite concentrate, coal concentrate and gold tailings dewatering.
TURBO-CHARGING MINERALS SEPARATION EFFICIENCY XtractOre TM is another new technology poised to deliver a 10 to 100 fold increase in the speed of fine particle separation. The benefit to mineral processors is a step change increase in the extraction of valuable resources from existing tailings, and ultimately improved grade and recovery of valuable minerals for metals production. XtractOre is a result of extensive research from the Priority Research Centre for Advanced Particle Processing and Transport and more recently COE Minerals with industry partner Jord International via ACARP and ARC funding. There are new plans to demonstrate the system at full-scale.
RAIL-RUNNING CONVEYOR TECHNOLOGY THYSSENKRUPP COMMERCIALISATION AGREEMENT – REDUCING COSTS AND ENERGY Under the guidance of Professor Craig Wheeler, TUNRA and the Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies has been successful in developing a long overland conveying technology for the mining and mineral processing industries that reduces costs and energy consumption by allowing for longer distances and tight curves by dramatically reducing friction. The University and Thyssenkrupp are collaborating to commercialise the Rail-Running Conveyor Technology under exclusive licenses for nearly every country.
TAILINGS TO TOPSOIL With a commitment to addressing the environmental challenge of tailings disposal for mining operations, the Tailings to Topsoil project led by Jord and Professor Ken Williams from the Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies is a transformational alternative for tailings management. The cost-effective solution for turning a problem of tailings to a soil amendment for regeneration and energy crop production has progressed to field trials.
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PhD PATHWAYS As we work to build the industries of the future, we need to synergise the workforce, which means equipping the next generation of workers with the most up-to-date knowledge, technical abilities, and a skillset to solve problems that haven’t emerged yet. NIER is committed to the delivery of multidisciplinary education and training, with strong industry partnerships to facilitate a world class training experience, knowledge translation and research relevance. Here we meet three candidates at different milestones on their higher degree by research pathways.
SIÂN PARKES Recently commenced PhD Siân Parkes has recently joined the team at the Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals (COE Minerals) to help improve efficiency and sustainability within the mining and metallurgy industries. Working under the supervision of Laureate Professor Kevin Galvin on a research project called Counter Current Washing of a Concentrated Bubble Column, Siân’s work centres on using the Reflux Flotation Cell to optimise froth flotation, which is a common process used to recover the desired material while rejecting any gangue material. According to Siân, a key advantage of the Reflux Flotation Cell is its ability to processes material much more efficiently while still achieving excellent results. She says this is important to help the industry shift to more sustainable processes.
“While mining will certainly continue into the future and is beneficial to so many aspects of our lives, the sustainability of these processes will have to improve as the world shifts towards carbon neutrality.” The research approach taken by Siân and the COE Minerals team involves experimentation at NIER and testing at mine sites, with the aim of simplifying current methods of mineral processing and significantly reducing the required footprint of the processing plant without affecting throughput.
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PRISCILLA GRASSI FREIRE
DR JIE GUO
PhD near completion
Former PhD employed in industry
Priscilla Grassi Freire has been working on her PhD, Investigation into the Effects of Material Variability in the Performance of Bulk Solids Handling Systems, since 2017, and is nearing completion. Priscilla’s research project involves analysing the impacts of material properties on the performance of materials handling systems, and their economic consequences. The expected outcome is a framework for performance and cost analysis in materials handling systems which can be applied to assist with decision making.
In September 2020, Dr Jie Guo secured employment with Jenike and Johanson in Western Australia, where she is working on industry consulting projects. Previously, Jie worked for over a decade on industry-based research projects at NIER.
Undertaking her PhD through NIER’s Doctoral Training Centre for Advanced METS, Priscilla says the opportunity for industry collaboration through the DTC framework has meant “my work is not limited to the academic world but may be of real use in industry.” After initially coming to NIER as a Business Development Officer for TUNRA Bulk Solids, Priscilla commenced her PhD with the Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies at NIER under the supervision of Professor Kenneth Williams, Dr Jayne O’Shea, Dr Ognjen Orozovic and Professor Mark Jones. While completing her PhD, Priscilla has continued her work as a Business Development Engineer and has also worked as a Research Development Engineer for the Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies, where she was responsible for the research collaborations and projects involving Brazilian universities, research institutions and clients. Upon completion of her PhD, Priscilla has her sights set on a full-time position as a Business and Research Development Engineer in the field of bulk solids handling, bringing solutions to difficult challenges by closing the gap between specialists and industry.
Jie commenced her PhD, Investigation of Arching Behaviour Under Surcharge Pressure in Mass-Flow Bins and Stress States at Hopper/Feeder Interface, in the field of bulk solids handling with the Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies at NIER under the supervision of Emeritus Professor Alan Roberts in 2010. After completing her PhD in 2014, Jie continued her research career at NIER with a range of activities including industrial consulting with the Centre and TUNRA Bulk Solids, supervision of internship students from Istanbul Technical University, and supervision of final-year project students, Masters students, and PhD students from the University of Newcastle. While at NIER, Jie was involved in world-class research endeavours with the Centre in the field of coal transportation, specifically transportable moisture limit and self-heating during bulk cargo maritime transportation. Jie also took the opportunity to complete six months of industry embedded onthe-job training during a secondment with BHP. Jie still holds an adjunct position within the University of Newcastle, which enables her to continue her supervision role for PhD students, as well as remain involved in collaborative activities between research and industry. Jie believes that her supportive and knowledgeable team at NIER, the collaborative environment, and the unparalleled testing facilities on the NIER Precinct all contributed to a strong foundation that she can continue to build upon as she pursues employment in industry.
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NIER RESEARCH CENTRES AND GROUPS • ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals • Australian National Fabricating Facility Newcastle Hub • Priority Research Centre for Advanced Particle Processing & Transport • Priority Research Centre for Frontier Energy Technologies & Utilisation • Priority Research Centre for Organic Electronics • Global Centre for Environmental Remediation • Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials • International Collaborative Centre for Carbon Futures • Centre for Advanced Energy Integration • Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies • Centre for Ironmaking Materials Research • Centre for Multiphase Processes • Centre for Optimal Planning & Transport • Centre for Resources Health & Safety • Centre for Water, Climate & Land • Applied Electrochemistry Group • Coastal and Marine Science Group • Food Science Group • Nanomaterials Research Group
CRICOS Provider 00109J Disclaimer: This publication was produced using an Australian manufactured stock that is free from elemental chlorine, PEFC, FSC, ISO 9706 and ISO 14001 EMS certified and printed in a carbon managed facility that subscribes to a sustainable operating philosophy.
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