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What does 'cleantech' mean for Victoria?
Leading cleantech innovation
In the face of rising electricity, gas, water and resource costs and increasing international competition, Victorian industry has been investing over the last decade in efficient energy and resource technologies that improve their bottom line and deliver better environmental outcomes.
The clean technology industry, or ‘cleantech’, is an emerging sector around the world and an area where Victoria is internationally recognised.
What is ‘Cleantech’?
Cleantech is defined as ‘economically viable products, services or processes that harness renewable materials and energy sources, dramatically reducing the use of natural resources or cut or eliminate emissions and waste’ with the focus on finding solutions to address environmental, energy, waste, air and water quality issues. (Cleantech Export Strategy 2017).
What makes Victoria a leader in the space?
Focus on innovation
In Victoria, there is a heavy focus on research, innovation and technology development which is providing opportunities for small and medium Victorian businesses. The long-term economic benefits that cleantech delivers means that Victorian products and services are extremely valuable for overseas sustainable development objectives.
Strong regulation
The strong regulatory environment in Australia and Victoria has driven the growth of the cleantech sector to date and provides a good basis for many cleantech companies to consider export markets, as they’re already adhering to some of the world’s highest standards.
University partnerships
Victoria has strong international technical and research partnerships and several of Victoria’s universities have international campuses across the Asia Pacific region providing significant infrastructure resources and strong local networks. Victoria’s universities are developing cutting edge energy technologies with investors eager to commercialise.
To complement the growing energy technology expertise, Victoria's universities produce more graduates than other states in fields such as engineering and ICT, providing the engaged and skilled workforce needed to support cleantech projects.
Supportive government policies
The support of long-term policies and strong regulatory and governance frameworks help to drive technology development and adoption.
Victoria's Cleantech Capabilities
Demand for Victoria’s comprehensive environmental services expertise has emerged from a growing Victorian population and a legacy of progressive state regulation. Strong adherence to international environmental standards and the inclusion of modern clean technologies sees Victoria’s knowledge of environmental solutions being sought worldwide.
Victoria’s expertise in cleantech is diverse, with a focus on finding solutions to address environmental, waste, air and water quality issues through a combination of services, consultation and technology.
Victoria’s cleantech knowledge has enriched the state’s amenity and landscape through dynamic collaboration between private and public-sector innovation, contributing to Melbourne’s liveability rating. Victoria's high standard of environmental protection enables us to enjoy clean air and water, picturesque and fertile landscapes, and an abundance of wildlife. Protecting these natural assets is key to maintaining our quality of life.
New Energy
The global energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation. Countries around the world are looking for new ways to meet their future energy challenges and Victorian expertise is in demand around the world to provide the solutions. Many of Victoria’s research institutions are leading the way in developing new and creative solutions in the new energy sector.
With a wealth of renewable energy resources available within Victoria and Victorian companies offering world-leading solutions to solar, wind, and micro-grids, Victoria is well-equipped to meet the global demands for new energy technology products and solutions.
Waste and Resource Recovery
Many of Victoria’s leading waste and recycling businesses have commodified unique scientific advancements to provide services or products that improves business efficiency for clients in material requirements and cost reductions.
By 2041, Melbourne’s population is projected to reach 7.8 million people and will generate around 63% more waste – approximately 16.5 million tonnes per year. With this growth, it is critical that we look at new ways of recovering resources and managing waste.
Under the notion of “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” government, research bodies and businesses are continuing to collaborate towards circular economy solutions. This is considered the next phase of waste and recycling in Victoria, where businesses will exchange production outputs efficiently with little or no end-point waste going to landfill.
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Photo credit: Michael Wilkins
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