The Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Senator Arthur Sinodinos was able to see the state-of-the-art ultra thin, energy storage devices when he visited The University of Queensland on Monday. The senator’s visit follows the declaration of a $2 million commitment from the Federal Government for a renewable energy tie-up involving the two universities and Printed Energy Pty Ltd.
A research team headed by Professor Chris Greig, UQ Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering and Innovation Director, and UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology Professor Lianzhou Wang will get assistance from the Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-P) bid.
Printed Energy Pty Ltd expects the printed batteries to be applied in combination with solar panels. According to a report published in UQ’s website, Printed Energy’s batteries are “ a thin, flexible format – printed in a roll-to-roll process like a newspaper.” the batteries could be altered to any shape and could supply power even to large-scale power storage.
The private technology firm believes the project will help in dealing with intermittent energy and lack of energy storage concerns. It has developed the battery technology by utilising low-flammability and non-toxic components.
The firm also has the support of Trevor St Baker, a renewable energy innovator, philanthropist, founder of ERM Power and St Baker Energy Innovation Fund.
In a statement, Professor Greig said, “This technology represents not just an opportunity for us to be involved in cutting-edge science and innovation, but presents a real opportunity for the next generation of Australian manufacturing.”
The Professor also stated that the mission of the project is to improve and support technologies in science and engineering that are “technologically, economically, and socially sustainable.”
For more information on this project, visit UQ’s website.
