Two groundbreaking projects from the WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering have secured more than $850,000 through Australia’s Economic Accelerator’s (AEA) Ignite grants.

• Dr Laure Braconnier was awarded $412,364 to develop a new process of green diesel production from CO2, which would significantly reduce carbon emissions from mining operations and support the decarbonisation of our economy.
• Dr Jiayi Tang was awarded $444,624 for an innovative project to produce low-cost green hydrogen from raw water through new electrolysis technology. The research could transform energy storage, transportation, fertiliser production and critical minerals processing across Australia – all while co-producing fresh water for communities.

The highly competitive AEA Ignite grants support early-stage research commercialisation and are designed to propel investment in key sectors, fostering innovation and economic growth.

Both projects previously completed the National Energy Transition Accelerator program, supported by the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer, designed to launch early-stage Australian startups and founders with high-growth potential.

Congratulations to Dr Braconnier and Dr Tang on their exciting research. Read more here.