Regional Sustainability Centre, Whyalla

The Regional Sustainability Centre based at UniSA's Whyalla campus, is a regional research node of the Barbara Hardy Institute where we work collaboratively with the Centre for Regional Engagement and the Centre for Rural Health and Community Development. Established with support from the SA Premier's Science and Research Fund (PSRF), the Regional Sustainability Centre is working closely with regional industries and communities on developing practical solutions and strategies for sustainable management and utilisation of resources, such as energy, water and waste-streams.

Among the Regional Sustainability Centre's key activities is the development of technologies in support of a demonstration solar thermal power plant to be built in Whyalla, and to provide operational research support for future large-scale base load solar power generation planned for the Upper Spencer Gulf region in South Australia. These projects include research and technology development of high-temperature thermal energy storage technologies, drag and dust reduction systems to protect solar collectors, assessment of solar PV performance in desert conditions.

The Regional Sustainability Centre is also working with the steel industry on developing waste-heat recovery systems to drive thermal water demineralisation processes. It is also assisting industry in improving thermal efficiency of their processes. These and other community-based energy and water projects position the Barbara Hardy Institute as a leader in integrating technologies to meet the needs of regional industries and remote communities.

For further information, please contact Farid Christo