Curtin University of Technology is the only university in WA to receive funding from the Federal Government’s $15 million Second Generation Biofuels Research and Development Program announced by Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, at the University last week.
The Curtin Centre for Advanced Energy Science and Engineering, led by Professor Chun Zhu Li, together with other partners, will receive $2.5 million to investigate the sustainable production of high quality second generation transport biofuels from malle biomass.
Professor Jeanette Hacket, Vice-Chancellor of Curtin, welcomed the funding for the project.
“Sustainable development is a strategic priority for the University, and renewable energy research is one of several areas in which we have a strong presence,” she said.
“This funding will help to ensure that Curtin is a key player in the development of new biofuel technologies that contribute to the sustainable development of the biofuels industry in Australia.”
Other partners in this project include the WA Department of Environment and Conservation, CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, CREST (a joint venture of Curtin and Murdoch University), Future Farm Industries CRC, and Spitfire Oil Pty Ltd.
The Curtin Centre for Advanced Energy Science and Engineering is one of 16 research centres under the University’s Australian Sustainable Development Institute (ASDI). The Centre is focused on developing novel technologies for both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources in light of the urgent need to secure low-cost energy supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
ASDI has a wider breadth of research than any other sustainability institute in Australia and seeks to provide the best possible scientific and policy advice to government, industry and society to provide broad benefits to the community.
