Assistant Minister for Education Anthony Chisholm has launched the $380 million Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH) at Deakin University’s Future Economy Precinct.
According to the Australian Government, the recycling and clean energy hub is expected to generate over $1.4 billion in revenue and 2,500 jobs in the next decade.
Assistant Minister Chisholm stated that REACH brings together some of the best university minds, empowering industry leaders to solve problems that affect the entire world, not just Australia.
“REACH’s projects will see us take steps towards solving some of our biggest environmental challenges, such as reducing landfill and fossil fuel emissions and mitigating some of the devastating impacts of global warming,” Assistant Minister Chisholm said.
According to him, Australians annually contribute over 7.6 million tonnes of food to landfill, costing over $36.6 billion and releasing 17.5 million tonnes of CO2.
“REACH has partnered with JET Technology to bring industry and researchers together to focus on converting organic waste from the agriculture, dairy and fishery sectors by drastically shortening composting time so it can be used to make new products such as cow feed, fertiliser and textiles,” he noted.
“Developing sovereign capability here in Australia is making our manufacturing greener and creating new job opportunities for the industries of tomorrow,” he added.
Federal Member Libby Coker emphasised the significance of enhancing local recycling capacity as a significant step for the wider Geelong region.
“Investing in sustainable manufacturing is a key focus of the Albanese Government — we want to see our local economies strengthened, more innovation from our universities, and an uptick in jobs for those with the skills to make things here in Australia,” Coker said.
“That’s what this facility is all about – creating a sustainable, productive, and innovative local economy that can compete on the world stage, boost job opportunities for locals, and encourage our youngest community members to consider a future in research and development.”
JET Technology Corporation Australia’s Managing Director, Howard Ju, stated that while JET is confident in its ERS technology, which has been commercialised in Japan, the project with Deakin is focused on verifying the scientific facts on outputs and greenhouse gas reduction using Australian domestic feedstocks.
“REACH provides JET ideal opportunities to work with research organisations, in this case Deakin University, to prove and demonstrate an innovative technology newly introduced to Australia targeting the organic waste and decarbonisation issues,” he said.
REACH projects aim to promote cleaner technologies and supply chains, reducing landfill and fossil fuel emissions, and supporting Australia’s net zero transition by 2050.
Ten industry and education partners now support the projects, including JET Technology, Clean Energy Resources Australia, and Viva Energy Australia.
The Australian Government is committing over $370 million to the Trailblazer Universities Program, with its projects expected to deliver a net economic benefit worth billions.
REACH’s 80% project delivery target in regional Australia will benefit numerous locations, creating a future-ready workforce and creating significant job opportunities in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and Warrnambool.
REACH is one of six initiatives selected for a $50 million grant as part of the program.
