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A Power Union
Hydrogen may be used as a power source for remote islands off Tasmania and Japan,
due to a groundbreaking partnership between University of Tasmania and Japanese
researchers.
The university of Tasmania is known for its expertise with hydrogen and internal
combustion engines, and is currently set to test a hydrogen-assisted wind power
system on Cape Barren Island, off the coast of Tasmania.
In this test, excess power generated on windy days
will be used to break water down into oxygen and hydrogen,
with the hydrogen then stored and used to fuel a generator
on calm days.
Japan, which is embarking upon a similar test, is
interested in the project because it depends primarily
on imports for its energy supply. A delegate from Osaka
University said that he hopes Japanese and Tasmanian
researchers will be able to work together to help create
a "hydrogen society" of the future.
Economy's Growth a Surpise
In the past three months, Australia’s Gross
Domestic Product has risen 1.3 per cent, adding $2.7
billion to the national accounts.
The growth came as the Reserve Bank left interest
rates on hold for the sixth consecutive month, and
the results are above most economists' expectations,
which ranged from 0.7 to 1 per cent.
The number though is still well below the trend average
of 3.75 per cent and lower than the past few years'
rate of 4 per cent.
Prime Minister John Howard said the rise provided
a strong platform for the economy to continue its rate
of growth.
The result, he said, came through workforce participation
rates and the country's business sector.
The Australian result reverses an emerging worldwide
trend of slower economic growth.
Water Study Needed
Peter Cullen, a respected Australian water scientist,
has told the national River Symposium in Brisbane
that scientists need at least a decade to properly
study how the country’s tropical northern rivers
can effectively be used as a national resource.
Australia's northern tropical rivers held 70 per cent
of the nation's available freshwater, and are under
increasing pressure from southern developers and governments
looking to exploit this resource.
"So much of Australia's water resources are in
the north and we know the squeeze on the south is causing
pressure to eye off those resources," said Professor
Cullen, a member of the National Water Commission.
Professor Cullen said little was known about the links
between northern rivers and groundwater systems. National
Water Commission chairman Ken Matthews acknowledged
that more research to identify future development opportunities
is needed, however he warned that development cannot
stand still while this happens.
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