Technology centre to bring new industries to arid lands

Applying technologies for the sustainable management of arid lands, including solar and wind energy use, and water and waste management systems and practices, will be the focus of the new South Australian Centre for Arid Land Technology (SACALT) based at UniSA's Whyalla campus.

The centre is a joint initiative funded by both UniSA and the Whyalla City Council, with local industry support aimed at sustainable growth and development of arid regions.

Research activities will focus on developing technology that is suitable for arid lands, in particular to adapt, modify, develop and apply technology that can handle the particular issues found in these kinds of climates, according to Associate Dean of Research at Whyalla campus, Associate Professor Brian Cheers.

"Initially we will be looking at sustainable use of water and the technology associated with that. We will also have a focus on natural energy sources such as solar and wind energy.

"Our focus will be on developing applied technology and accessing the considerable research and development expertise within the University, including the Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment, in partnership with industry. We will also be acting as a conduit for expertise around the University and beyond to focus on particular problems in arid lands," Prof. Cheers said.

The region experiences high levels of dust, so any technology that is developed overseas and elsewhere in Australia needs to be modified to withstand this and other issues unique to arid lands, including the heat, dryness of the air, low rainfall and lack of moisture.

Industries in the region report that the arid conditions have major effects on existing technology and that maintenance of equipment presents special problems and additional expenses than in higher rainfall areas. These industries are technologically based and very supportive of the centre's technology focus, according to Prof. Cheers.

"Whyalla, Eyre Peninsula, upper Spencer Gulf and nearby regions have access to enormous natural resources for solar and wind energy generation.

"The region is looking to diversify its industry base and that will mean developing industries that can tap into the already available natural energy sources. New industries are needed so that the region's economy can continue to grow and diversify.

"Some of the region's existing industries will feed very easily into the centre's focus on sustainability and diversity and will be very much part of its development."

Item provided courtesy of The University of South Australia