Industry News
Engineers Australia welcomes report on infrastructure reform
Engineers Australia has urged the government to heed the recommendations of the Infrastructure Finance and Funding Reform report. [ + ]
General Cable acquires majority interest in Procables
General Cable Corporation has announced it will acquire a majority interest (60%) in Procables SA for $45 million. The Sredni Group will maintain a 40% interest in the business. [ + ]
We will closely monitor the FWBC, says NECA
The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) said it intends to closely monitor the new Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) agency’s effectiveness, expressing concern that the Australian Building and Construction Commission’s (ABCC’s) replacement will have reduced powers and may not be as effective in regulating the industry. [ + ]
PEI-Genesis wins Amphenol Global Excellence Award
PEI-Genesis has received two performance awards from Amphenol Corporation for 2011: the Global Excellence Award and the North American Excellence Award. [ + ]
Sydney Business Chamber welcomes NSW Budget
The Sydney Business Chamber has welcomed the NSW Budget, saying it delivers key initiatives to reinstate Sydney as Australia’s leading city, through investment in transport infrastructure and a new approach to development. [ + ]
Schneider Electric launches customisable data centre assessment services
As part of a growing line of energy management services for the data centre, Schneider Electric has introduced EnergySTEP Data Centre Assessment. It provides a detailed, customisable assessment of the power, cooling, physical infrastructure and operational efficiencies of a data centre that allows data centre managers to benchmark the performance of their facility against industry standards such as the Green Grid Data Centre Maturity Model. The assessment focuses on improvements that will help the data centre manager drive down the spiralling cost of energy, while ensuring maximum availability. [ + ]
Philips to light majority of football stadiums in the Ukraine and Poland
Philips will light the majority of football stadiums in the Ukraine and Poland, including the Olympic stadium of Kiev (NSC Olimpiyskiy). These stadiums are, amongst other, venues for the European football championship this year during this summer’s football tournament. [ + ]
First Solar and AGL receive grant for mega solar project
AGL Energy has selected First Solar as its project partner for two utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power projects totalling 159 MW. The projects are supported by the Solar Flagships Program, which offers funding to support the construction of large-scale, grid-connected solar (PV and thermal) power stations. [ + ]
Recognition from managers key to retaining employees, study shows
Managers, pay attention: 77% of employees would consider leaving their current jobs based on a lack of positive recognition for their work, according to the latest RedBalloon Reward and Recognition Survey. [ + ]
Defence manufacturer makes waves in tidal power project
Defence industry manufacturer ATSA (Advanced Technology Systems Australia) has made waves in tidal power generation development with its involvement in the SeaUrchin project. [ + ]
Honeywell acquires INNCOM
Honeywell has acquired INNCOM, a manufacturer of advanced software-based energy management solutions and in-room controls for lodging, healthcare and educational institutions. [ + ]
Modular wiring company opens Melbourne office
Apex Wiring Solutions has opened its first Australian office in Melbourne. The company says the investment is a result of growing demand for preassembled modular power and lighting systems around the world. [ + ]
Government funding will support local manufacturing jobs, says AMWU
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) has praised the federal government’s announcement that it will help communities and families buy energy-efficient hot water systems and household goods, saying it will support local cleantech manufacturing jobs. [ + ]
AuSES calls for conference papers
The Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES) is calling for papers for its 50th annual conference at the Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn Campus on 6 and 7 December 2012. [ + ]
Price reform and smart metering required for electric vehicle charging, says ENA
The Energy Networks Association (ENA) has said electricity pricing reform and investment in smart metering will be required for a smooth transition to electric vehicles. [ + ]