Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE)

So you've heard about TRaCE, but with a whole range of research projects, support & education programs, it can be hard to get your head around it!🤯 📹 We've made this video to help explain ourselves, let's break it down 🔨 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭: Delivered by UNSW and the University of Newcastle and supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, we're moving research out of the lab and into market. 𝐇𝐨𝐰: We co-fund recycling and clean energy R&D and provide unprecedented support and access for researchers, business, industry, startups and SMEs. For businesses, this means you can tap in to world-class research teams, facilities, specialist equipment and support. At the same time, we're co-designing education and upskilling programs with education and industry partners to rapidly develop the workforce. 𝐖𝐡𝐲: By creating a new and lasting ecosystem of support, TRaCE will help develop and scale commercially viable products, ensure we have the critical skills to manufacture them in Australia, and reduce carbon emissions.  🤝 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭: If you're committed to accelerating the global energy transition, we want to partner with you. Whether you have a sustainability challenge or solution, get in touch to find out how we can help. 🎬 video credit: Hazen Agency Thank you to Emmanuel Mastio, Meg McDonald, Dianne Wiley, Veena Sahajwalla, Behdad Moghtaderi, Sandeep Kirpalani, Lucy N., Anthony Letmon (Kardinia Energy), Ryan Fritsch (Kandui Technologies), Isabel Toasa and Chris W. (EM ENERGY) for being involved. #trailblazer #recycling #cleanenergy #innovation Pierre Gouhier FIEAust CPEng MAICD Gabriella Nunes Kate McGregor Lena Vestad Hansen Samuel Kirk Stephanie Moscovis Annalese Thomas Wendy Dore Anastasia Bruniaux Jordan Moon Aidan Johnstone Claudia Kirkpatrick-Just Craig Peden Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources Matthew Priestley Cassie Horn Agata Radna Tracy Nguyen

A new way to store hydrogen for zero-emission aviation ✈️ Aviation is responsible for approximately 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, yet reducing its carbon footprint remains a major challenge. Hydrogen has the potential to transform the industry as a clean fuel alternative, but storage has been a key obstacle, current tanks are too heavy for aircraft use. To solve this, Quickstep Group and UNSW researchers Professor Gangadhara Prusty and Professor Garth Pearce are developing a revolutionary solution: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗸, 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺. 🔍 Why is this a game-changer? • 𝗨𝗹𝘁𝗿𝗮-𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Unlike traditional hydrogen tanks that rely on heavy metal liners, this one uses carbon-fiber composites to drastically cut weight. • 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵: Real-time monitoring enhances safety by tracking strain and environmental conditions during flights. • 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The tank is seamlessly built into aircraft structures, maximising fuel storage without compromising design. The first real-world test? A hydrogen-powered drone. This approach allows for rapid prototyping, proving the technology’s feasibility before scaling to larger aircraft. Interested in learning more? 👉 The full video and article link are in the comments. Ashim Panta, Aidan Johnstone, Faiyaz Gazi, Gabriella Nunes, Craig Peden, Ben Seers

📢 Attention First Nations clean energy innovators.   The University of Newcastle, through TRaCE, is offering $52,232 p.a. PhD and Masters scholarships for First Nations students to research the impacts and opportunities of the clean energy transition.    These scholarships aim to ensure First Nations knowledge and perspectives are central to this transformation.   💻 Want to learn more? Watch our information session here. https://lnkd.in/gbVWHTeK If you would prefer to speak to someone about this opportunity, get in touch with our team at trace@newcastle.edu.au Applications for the first round close 30 June 2025.   Kathleen Butler Sarah Bartels Belinda Kerrison Lauren Farlow Pierre Gouhier FIEAust CPEng MAICD Kate McGregor

We're hiring a Communications & Engagement Officer! If you're passionate about climate deep technologies, love meeting brilliant minds, and want to dive into cutting-edge innovations to make a real impact, this role is for you. Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) is looking for a Communications & Engagement Officer to support the comms team in driving our outreach and engagement efforts. This role is all about storytelling and building connections across researchers, startups, and industry partners. 📍 Location: Sydney 📅 Start Date: Mid-April 📄 Contract: Part-time (contractor role) If you have experience in communications, marketing, or PR and a passion for translating deep tech innovation into compelling stories, we’d love to hear from you! Link to apply in the comments below. If you know someone perfect for this role, please tag them below! Gabriella Nunes, Annalese Thomas, Kate McGregor, Claudia Kirkpatrick-Just

TRaCE is excited to announce a new major R&D project! The team will support Green Gravity through the Lab to Market Fund, providing funding and expert guidance from Dr Matthew Priestley at UNSW. This project will advance Gravitational Energy Storage System (GESS) technology by optimising its electrical systems. • But what is GESS? GESS is an innovative energy storage technology that uses heavy objects moving vertically in old mine shafts to store and generate energy. When electricity is needed, these heavy objects are lowered, spinning a regenerative motor to create power. • Why is this interesting? The GESS is a mechanical technology with no capacity degradation, a lifespan of over 30 years, no waste or chemical handling, and repurposes mining infrastructure for a more sustainable future. This long-duration, cost-competitive energy storage solution will play a key role in the energy transition in New South Wales and Australia. We’re excited to see the progress of this collaboration and the impact GESS will have on driving a sustainable energy future!

That’s a wrap! Takeaways from Climate Action Week 2025 🚀 Last week, we sponsored Greenhouse's Innovation & Investment Summit, driving conversations on climate tech funding, partnerships, commercialisation, and talent. Here’s what we learned: 🔹 Funding needs better collaboration. While capital is available, through superfunds, philanthropy, VC, private equity, etc., we need better collaboration across these streams, along with stronger engagement with policymakers to accelerate progress. 🔹 Hydrogen in aviation is promising but complex. Dr Rahman Daiyan, Ph.D., shared insights on sustainable aviation fuels. While hydrogen offers a promising path to decarbonisation, commercial viability remains a challenge. Collaboration between developers, investors, and industry leaders is essential to de-risk projects and drive adoption. 🔹 Corporate partnerships are game-changers for climate technologies and can support through venture arms, procurement, and offtake agreements. These partnerships provide financial stability and reduce risk for early-stage projects. 🔹 Australia faces a critical skills shortage in climate tech. We need to broaden immigration pathways, rethink hiring practices, and encourage underrepresented groups to enter the field. Startups can serve as an accessible entry point into climate careers. Climate Action Week left us energised, inspired, and more determined than ever to push the boundaries of climate innovation. To dive deeper into these insights, read our full wrap-up here: https://lnkd.in/gkYwdyyP Eleni A., Lucy N., Pierre Gouhier FIEAust CPEng MAICD, Gabriella Nunes, Emmanuel Mastio, Claudia Kirkpatrick-Just, Aidan Johnstone, Anastasia Bruniaux, Powerblocks AU, Julie Leung, Rob Mortimer, Harry Guinness, Charlotte Connell, Harry S., Sabrina-Jane Lobb, Ben Lindsay, Alan Hunter, Patrick Sieb #ClimateActionWeekSydney

📢 Have your say on the future of R&D in Australia! The Australian Government is reviewing 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗥&𝗗 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺, and this is a key opportunity to help shape how research and innovation is funded and supported. An independent expert panel is exploring ways to: • Maximise the impact of R&D investment • Strengthen collaboration between research and industry • Align R&D with national priorities • Boost industry-led innovation and investment 🗓️ Submissions close on 11 April 2025, and even a short response can make a difference! 💡 You can have your say in the following ways: • Submit your own response ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dEDsx_JZ or • If you are a TRaCE partner, you can contribute feedback with us. We’re preparing a collective response and invite you to share your perspective. If you’d like to contribute - complete the following questions by 21 March ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g833jFYk If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at trace@unsw.edu.au. We appreciate your time and insights and thank you for helping shape the future of R&D in Australia.

TRaCE researchers and partners have been awarded over $834,000 in the first round of the Australia's Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite grants. 🎉 The AEA Ignite grants aim to drive research and commercialisation in key sectors outlined in the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (Priority Areas) Declaration 2023. TRaCE supports research collaboration between University researchers and their industry partners within the Priority Area of renewables and low emission technologies. Together, they are co-developing innovative solutions in the clean energy and recycling sectors.   Congratulations to the following trailblazers on securing this significant funding: Dr Josephine Vaughan (University of Newcastle)  Project: Circular Economy Mortar from construction, industrial and agricultural waste.  Focus area: Advanced manufacturing  Total funding: $444,880 Associate Professor Karl Hassan & PhD Candidate Claudia Bruinsma (University of Newcastle) with Wild Yeast Zoo   Project: Wild Yeast Zoo - Harnessing Microorganisms for Sustainable Innovation  Focus area: Harnessing microbes to biologically produce key petrochemicals for a sustainable future    Total funding: $199,999 Professor Shawn Kook (UNSW Sydney) with DeCarice  Project: Innovative high-pressure hydrogen injection technologies for diesel vehicle retrofit solutions  Focus area: Sustainable fuels  Total funding: $190,000

Climate Action Week events: what not to miss next week! 🌏 Next week is packed with incredible climate tech events, and we know it can be overwhelming to keep track of them all. So, here’s your go-to guide for must-attend sessions, including where TRaCE will be speaking! 💡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 – 11 events bringing together climate leaders, investors, and startups to scale solutions. 🔹 𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨'𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟮 • 1:00 PM – Fuelling the Future: Unlocking Commercial Success in Sustainable Low Carbon Fuels Speaker: Rahman Daiyan, Ph.D. , Researcher, UNSW Sydney https://lnkd.in/gQZYhCbH • 3:00 PM – Collaborating Across the Climate Capital Stack Speaker: Gabriella Nunes, Director of Research & Commercialisation, TRaCE https://lnkd.in/gpMGJZnu • 5:30 PM – Climate Investor Reverse Pitch – Shut Up and Take My Money! Speaker: Julie Pham, Program Manager, TRaCE https://lnkd.in/gGGcqK7N 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟯 • 10:30 AM - Bridging the Corporate Innovation Divide Speaker: Pierre Gouhier FIEAust CPEng MAICD, Director, TRaCE https://lnkd.in/g2ygU3hV • 5:30 PM - Watt's Next? Powering your Climate Careers Speaker: Lucy N., Program Manager, TRaCE https://lnkd.in/g7sZGgdv 🔸 𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗪𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟮 • 8:00 AM – Climate Innovation & Investment Summit: Official Opening https://lnkd.in/gkPfmVjP • 10:45 AM – What the FOAK?! Pioneering Financing for First-of-a-Kind Climate Hardware https://lnkd.in/gh63ZN94 🎟 Explore the full program & grab your tickets! 50% off with code: STARTUPS. See you there! Charlotte Connell, Harry Guinness, Harry S.

A new era of inter-university collaboration. 🌟 The Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) team recently brought together PhD students from the University of Newcastle and UNSW Sydney. Held at the UNSW Sydney campus, the day was filled with engaging presentations, idea sharing, and tours of state-of-the-art facilities. Special thanks to Gavesha Gunasekara, Saman Mostafapoor, Richard Hopkins and Bikesh S. for making the day a success. Students were particularly captivated by the Sunswift Racing Lab, where they learned about Sunswift Racing's solar-electric vehicles, including the record-breaking Sunswift 7. The event left candidates feeling motivated and empowered to continue their PhD journeys, bolstered by the support of their cohort and the TRaCE team. Find out more about the day here. https://lnkd.in/gmWMEcrF Claudia Kirkpatrick-Just, Sarah Bartels, Shahrzad Shaddel, Robert Turney (GradIEAust, BE(Hons)), Rehan Gunawan, Haoran Wang