The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) scheme has unveiled the first projects to be delivered as part of a $117 million investment in industry co-funded research and development projects.
Hydrogen produced from seawater and ‘green ceramics’ created out of textile waste are just two of more than a dozen innovations being developed under the TRaCE program, designed to accelerate the commercialisation of research and deliver skills for a circular, clean energy economy.
Led by UNSW Sydney in partnership with the University of Newcastle (UoN), the two universities have been working closely with industry partners since being awarded $50 million in funding under the Federal Government’s Trailblazer program in 2022.
A showcase of the TRaCE projects revealed a range of disruptive new technologies that are in the process of being brought to market.
Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Anthony Chisholm, who spoke at the launch of the TRaCE showcase, said 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,” Mr Chisholm said.
UNSW Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Enterprise, Professor Nicholas Fisk, said the success of TRaCE points 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. 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,” Mr Fisk said.
