CQUniversity has partnered with Japan’s J-POWER in an Australian-first low carbon nature-based solutions Research and Development collaboration.
The joint study will look at the social implementation of low-carbon materials (alternative materials to concrete) that can earn combined absorption and abatement credits from CO2.
CQUniversity Chair of Hydrogen and Renewable Energies Professor Murray Shearer said J-POWER’s aim to reduce the carbon footprint of cement and concrete production and facilitate blue carbon initiatives, is complemented by CQUniversity’s capability in designing and testing concrete mixes using selected recycled materials and expertise in marine ecology across Queensland locations.
“The research will look at the ecological implications of blocks that can be produced from low-carbon materials and promote the growth of marine life through the use of locally-produced waste materials (copper, nickel, zinc slag), and to develop and trial a methodology for crediting the CO2 that is reduced and absorbed through their use.”
CQUniversity’s Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) will conduct laboratory and field trials on the suitability of the material for creating a substrate for marine animals and algae.
On the Japanese side, J-POWER will provide data, know-how and guidance on quality testing of low-carbon materials and sea area demonstration tests, which have already been assessed (2018-2021), as well as jointly evaluating the results.
Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner in Tokyo (TIQ), Tak Adachi said he was supportive of building stronger collaborative links with Queensland and Japanese organisations.
“We are excited to be supporting this MoU as a first step for great collaboration in blue carbon research with one of the leading Japanese power companies,” Mr Adachi said.
