SOLUTIONS TO MEET GLOBAL DEMAND FOR FOOD AND ENERGY
Australia has the third largest Exclusive Economic Zone with over 80% being classified as offshore, beyond two nautical miles from the coast and subject to oceanic waves, tidal currents and wind. Renewable energy from these sources can be captured and converted into electricity for both onshore and offshore use, as well as transformed into energy ‘carriers’ such as hydrogen, for storage or export.
Australian aquaculture is challenged by the lack of suitable inshore sites and the knowledge to operate effectively in remote and/or exposed offshore environments. By overcoming these challenges, Australia can substantially develop its tropical, sub-tropical and temperate aquaculture industries.
The Blue Economy CRC will, for the first time bring the aquaculture and renewable energy sectors together to address the challenges of offshore food and energy production, that leverages the benefits of colocation, vertical integration, infrastructure and shared services. Offshore engineering will be central to this emergence, leveraging decades of experience drawn from the shipping, defence, oil and gas industries.
OUR PURPOSE
To perform world class, collaborative, industry focused research and training that underpins the growth of the Blue Economy through increased offshore sustainable aquaculture and renewable energy production.
PhD Scholars Program
The Blue Economy CRC places heavy emphasis on Education & Training, with an unprecedented scale of research opportunities on offer, including fully funded Higher Degree by Research (HDR) PhD scholarships across its five research programs.
PhDs are linked to industry-driven topics and part of their candidacy will be embedded with industry and government partners to ensure candidates are work-ready and connected to potential employers.
Current Research Projects
The Blue Economy CRC is currently undertaking a range of research projects including 5 major projects of at least 3 years’ duration, with several shorter projects, that will deliver innovative research essential to progressing the Company’s objectives.
The total budget of all current projects is in excess of $8 million. The next major group of research projects are expected to commence in the 2nd half of 2021.
RESEARCH AREAS
The Blue Economy CRC will develop innovative and sustainable offshore industries to increase Australian seafood and marine renewable energy production through five research programs:
