Clean and Green
Australia’s experience in managing diverse and harsh environments has resulted in its international reputation as a producer of innovative and adaptable environmental technologies.
Australian companies operate in all areas of the environment industry, including water treatment and wastewater management, solid-waste treatment, air-pollution testing, mining and land remediation.
Australia delivers excellence in environmental sciences, research and development of innovative technologies and services. Australia’s highly competitive environment services sector boasts over 1000 consultancies and professional service providers.
In the Global 100 Eco-Tech Awards 2005, Australia received the second-highest number of awards (6), after Japan (56) and ahead of Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.
Australian government research organization, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), is highly regarded globally, and ranks in the top 1 per cent of world scientific institutions in 12 research fields. Worldwide, it ranks eighth for environment and ecology.
Fast Facts
• The environment industry in Australia is worth around A$8.6 billion
• The largest sectors are water and wastewater management and waste management
• There are 500 to 3000 specialist enterprises. Over 80 per cent are SME’s and dominated by services providers
• Key environmental sub-sectors include air pollution control, soil and ground water remediation, noise and vibration
control, energy management and engineering services.
Did you know?
One of Australia’s environmental successes is the ‘Green Village’ which was created from the 2000 Olympics held in Sydney, Australia. Contaminated wasteland was turned into parkland with 400 tonnes of soil containing dioxins and other chemicals were deconstructed on site. Waste management and water conservation schemes were implemented and the area is now the world’s largest solar suburb.
Always on
Australia is a world leader in the construction and integration of technologies used in remote area power supplies, with systems used in many harsh and remote areas, including Antarctica and tropical rainforests.
Renewable energy
With abundant renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, water and biomass, Australia has a rapidly developing renewable energy industry.
Wind energy
Wind energy is the fastest growing renewable energy industry. Australia produces wind towers, tower foundations, composites and components, cast metals and machining, high-voltage electrical design and construction, controls and ancillary equipment.
Solar panels
Australia has many years experience developing and commercialising solar photovoltaic systems. For instance, BP’s Solar’s factory is the southern hemispheres largest PV manufacturing plant, and Origin Energy is helping to cut the expense and resources used in the production of PV cells through commercialising a revolutionary solar cell developed by the Australian National University in Canberra. This cell is the size of a wafer thin matchstick.
Solar hot water technology
Australia is a major supplier to the global hot water market. One example is Quantum Energy Technologies, which has developed a way of reducing the energy normally required to heat water by up to 75 per cent. This significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Quantum’s hot water units work on a heat-pump principle and do not require direct sunlight, as they operate in all weather conditions ranging from minus 10°C to plus 40°C. They can be used in most locations around the world.
Electric energy
Australia exports almost A$1 billion in electric energy products and services. Australia’s main exports are in the areas of electricity generating plant, electricity transmission and electricity distribution. Australia’s electric energy industry products, services and know-how include:
• generation, transmission and retailing of electricity
• manufacture and supply of related goods
• intellectual property and key areas of knowledge including: engineering, management, commercial, legal services, investment in overseas developments.
Useful links
www.greenhouse.gov.au - Australian Greenhouse Office
www.greenhouse.gov.au/renewable - Australian Renewable Energy
www.seia.com.au - Sustainable Energy Industries Association
www.industry.gov.au - Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources
www.environment.gov.au - Environment Australia
www.environment.gov.au - EnviroNET
www.environmentbusiness.com.au - Environment Business Australia
Australian Trade Commission services
Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) has a network of staff across India who can assist Indian companies to identify Australian expertise and connect you with the right people to expand your business.
Utsav Australia is an Australian government program managed by Austrade to raise awareness of Australian capability in India.
If you are thinking of expanding your business and would like more information on how to do business with Australia visit the Austrade website:
www.austrade.com or email Austrade on: utsavaustralia@austrade.gov.au