Newcastle to host clean energy centre

Newcastle could soon become the national hub of Australia's clean energy innovations, after the federal government announced today that the city will host the national Enterprise Connect Clean Energy Innovation Centre (CEIC).

Senator Kim Carr, Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has released a statement outlining the plans for the CEIC, which is expected to provide a major boost for small-to-medium enterprises commercialising clean energy technologies.

The federal government has committed $20 million to the CEIC, which will be hosted by Newcastle Innovation — the commercial arm of the University of Newcastle.

Newcastle Innovation's CEO, Dr Brent Jenkins, said the centre would provide small and medium-sized companies in Australia with the support needed to grow their commercial activities.

“The CEIC will offer a range of business improvement services to help clean energy companies find and adapt the latest research and technology to improve products and manufacturing processes,” he said.

“It will provide access to specialist facilities and advice at the University of Newcastle, to turn innovative ideas into new products, test products for new markets, help firms become export ready and provide grants to address areas of weakness.

“The announcement confirms Newcastle as the national leader in clean energy research and technology and will support a significant number of established and new businesses in the region and nationally," said Jenkins.

University of Newcastle's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Pat Michie, said the CEIC would benefit from the university’s expertise and strategic partnerships with other research-intensive institutions.

“The University of Newcastle has a strong record of innovative research in clean energy technology, including wind, solar, geothermal and low emissions coal,” Michie said.

“Newcastle Innovation, in partnership with the university, has a proven track record of converting research into commercial products with real-world applications."

The CEIC is a partnership between Newcastle Innovation, Enterprise Connect, the Australian Institute for Commercialisation and the Western Australia Sustainable Energy Association.