09/06/2026
South Australia Lands Australia's Largest Data Centre as US Firm Iren Bets on Clean Energy
US-based technology company Iren has selected South Australia as the location for what is set to become Australia's largest data centre, with the state's 100% net-renewable electricity grid — the first of its kind in the country — proving a key drawcard for the energy-intensive AI facility. The announcement comes as surging global demand for artificial intelligence services pushes technology companies to rapidly scale up data centre capacity. Australia's stable regulatory environment and growing renewable infrastructure are making it an increasingly attractive destination for such investment.
Source: https://reneweconomy.com.au/ai-giant-choose-australias-first-100-pct-net-renewable-grid-to-build-countrys-biggest-data-centre/
26-08-2025
Preventing 600 million cases of food poisoning with AI
Led by the University of South Australia (UniSA), a team of researchers have made a research publication to demonstrate how artificial intelligence (AI) can detect food poisoning in fields and factories before it reaches consumers. They said traditional detection methods are slow, costly, and damaging, making them unsuitable for large-scale, real-time food processing. UniSA PhD candidate Ahasan Kabir and his co-authors from Australia, Canada, and India evaluated the effectiveness of Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) in detecting toxic compounds in cereal grains and nuts, which are highly susceptible to fungal and mycotoxin contamination in warm, humid environments.
https://www.foodmag.com.au/preventing-600-million-cases-of-food-poisoning-with-ai/
11-06-2025
Engineers repurpose water treatment sludge into a sustainable concrete substitute.
University of South Australia engineers have created a sustainable material to help lower sewer maintenance costs. By combining alum-based water treatment sludge—a byproduct of drinking water purification—with ground granulated blast-furnace slag, they’ve developed a concrete alternative that is over 50% stronger than traditional concrete and resistant to acid damage, a common issue in sewage systems.
https://www.australianmanufacturing.com.au/engineers-turn-water-treatment-sludge-into-sustainable-concrete-alternative/
03-02-2025
Australia’s first large scale onshore Carbon Capture and Storage Project in South Australia
South Australian companies, Santos and Beach Energy have launched Australia's first large-scale onshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at Moomba in the Cooper Basin. The Moomba CCS project has sequestered 340,000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent since October 2024 and can store up to 1.7 million tonnes of CO2 annually at full capacity which is That’s equivalent to taking 700,000 cars off the road – or approximately 10 per cent of South Australia’s total annual emissions in 2022. The project has potential to provide carbon storage for companies across Australia and the Asian region. On this occasion, Chief Minister (Premier) of South Australia Peter Malinauskas said, “This is an historic day for our state which has a proud record in leading the world in the efforts to decarbonise. Through great South Australian companies in Santos and Beach, the gasfields at Moomba have the potential to become a storage site for carbon generated by industries across Australia and throughout the Asian region.”
https://www.premier.sa.gov.au/media-releases/news-items/santos-and-beach-energy-on-track-to-help-decarbonise-industry
[As India is also aiming its Net Zero target by 2070, collaboration with the South Australian company in research and development and joint venture can be explored.]
15-01-25
Australian-made NSM launcher fires first missile
KONGSBERG has successfully completed a Blast Test Vehicle (BTV) firing of its first Australian-manufactured Naval Strike Missile launcher in Port Wakefield, South Australia, as part of Project SEA 1300 Phase 1. The BTV, which includes a NSM Booster Rocket Motor and a dummy missile, tested the launcher’s functionality. The launcher canister was produced by Aerobond Defence, while the frame and rail were made by Marand Precision Engineering. Precision components were manufactured by Australian Precision Technologies and QPE Advanced Machining. This successful test marks a significant milestone in establishing an Australian supply chain for NSM launchers.
https://www.manmonthly.com.au/australian-made-nsm-launcher-fires-first-missile/
15-01-25
Whitebark eyeing big upside from new hydrogen-helium play
Whitebark Energy has acquired King Energy's gas, hydrogen, and helium exploration portfolio in South Australia for $1.7 million through an all-scrip deal involving 100 million shares and 100 million options. The acquisition includes the Alinya project, a 20,000 km² site in the Officer Basin with potential for white hydrogen and helium exploration. Whitebark aims to leverage the growing demand for hydrogen and helium, while King Energy views the merger as a validation of its strategy. Whitebark also owns the Warro natural gas project in Western Australia, bolstering its resource base and positioning both companies for growth in South Australia's hydrogen market. The acquisition positions both companies for growth in the expanding South Australian hydrogen market.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/whitebark-eyeing-big-upside-from-new-sa-hydrogen-helium-play-20250112-p5l3qd.html
16-12-2024
University of Adelaide launches Responsible AI Research Centre in partnership with CSIRO
The CSIRO and the University of Adelaide’s Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) have launched the Responsible AI Research Centre (RAIR) to develop responsible frameworks for AI use, which is rapidly transforming various sectors. South Australian Deputy Premier Susan Close emphasized the need for AI to promote human values and trust. The RAIR, supported by a $5 million investment, builds on previous funding for AIML and aims to enhance AI's impact on Australians' lives while ensuring safety and reliability. The centre will focus on four key themes: tackling misinformation, safe AI in the real world, diverse AI, and AI that can explain its actions. Professor Elanor Huntington highlighted the collaboration between leading institutions to address significant challenges in responsible AI development.
https://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/1062360/university-of-adelaide-launches-responsible-ai-research-centre-in-partnership-with-csiro-1062360.html
9-12-2024
$1 million to support South Australian manufacturers in tech adoption
A new $1 million grant program in South Australia aims to help manufacturers adopt advanced technologies, offering grants up to $50,000 on a competitive basis with matched funding required. Targeted technologies include AI, additive manufacturing, data analytics, and more. Deputy Premier Susan Close emphasized the importance of technology adoption for innovation and productivity, which aligns with South Australia’s Advanced Manufacturing Strategy. The strategy aims to increase manufacturing's contribution to the economy, employment, R&D spending, and exports. Additionally, 20,000 new training places for manufacturing-aligned courses will be available through the National Skills Agreement, with support from a dedicated manufacturing team in the Department of State Development.
https://www.manmonthly.com.au/1-million-to-support-south-australian-manufacturers-in-tech-adoption/
19/11/2024
Investment into innovation essential for manufacturing growth in tough conditions
Flyte Extruded Plastics is the largest custom sheet extruder in Australasia, but rising energy costs and new compliance regulations make it difficult to invest in innovation and growth in South Australia. The Cost of Overheads Index has reached 151.6 points, with nearly 79% of respondents reporting increasing overhead expenses. Flyte Extruded Plastics specializes in recycling customers' granulated waste, but the growing complexity of the compliance landscape is a concern for the small business owner.
https://sabusinesschamber.com.au/news/investment-into-innovation-essential-to-manufacturing-growth-amidst-tough-business-conditions
6 October, 2024
SA households invited to participate in smart energy trial
The $13.8 million Energy Masters program, led by SA Power Networks, will support 500 South Australian households to optimise energy use and save on their energy bills. Participating households will receive a free home energy management system, subsidies for new heat pump hot water systems or smart split-system air-conditioners, and access to retail offers from partner retailers. The program will also set aside 50 places for low-income and energy hardship households. In return, households will participate in a research program aimed at demonstrating the value of energy-smart households and providing information about how technology standards can be changed to deliver better customer outcomes as more customer energy resources are integrated into the grid.
https://www.energymagazine.com.au/sa-households-invited-to-participate-in-smart-energy-trial/
08/08/2024
Wholesale prices surge as wind and solar output falls to zero in South Australia
Wholesale electricity prices in the southern states surged on Monday morning as the output of wind and solar in South Australia, which has the highest average share of these technologies, fell to zero soon after 7am. According to various data sources, including GPE NEMLog2, the output of wind and solar dropped to zero at 7.05am, just before rooftop and large-scale solar power kicked in to the grid. Wind output remained very low throughout the morning.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/wholesale-prices-surge-as-wind-and-solar-output-falls-to-zero-in-south-australia/
22/07/2024
Australian made concussion diagnosis device exported to US
With the support from AMGC, Headsafe aims to change the current situation by introducing Nurochek, a portable 'brain scanner in a briefcase'. This innovative device is designed for rapid assessment and response to head injuries, and can be deployed in both mobile and clinical settings, providing timely diagnosis and treatment for patients with concussions.
https://australianmanufacturingnews.com/australian-made-concussion-diagnosis-device-exported-to-us/
16/07/2024
Expanded Crafers Park ‘n’ Ride to improve public transport accessibility for Adelaide Hills commuters.
Commuters in the Adelaide Hills now have easy access to public transport with the opening of the new Crafers Park ‘n’ Ride. The new facility provides 85 additional parking spaces, including accessible bays and motorcycle parking, making it more convenient for commuters during the morning peak. Situated southeast of the existing Crafers Park ‘n’ Ride, adjacent to the off-ramp (westbound) and South Eastern Freeway, the new Park ’n’ Ride offers easy access from the Freeway and helps reduce the number of cars parking in local side streets.
https://www.dit.sa.gov.au/news/feed?a=1379651
