A group of UNE students are attempting to address issues of worker shortages, training, accommodation, and community as the renewables industry continues to boom through the development of a new app.
Australian Innovation of Renewable Resources (AIRR) was created by UNE students Jye Blackman, Kate Blair-Hickman, Jackson Hall, and Chiara Meier-Whichmsnn. Recent growth in the renewable energy industry has increased demand for employees and further education and training, particularly in the New England region is home to the largest of five Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) in NSW. The AIRR team hope their app will address the need with an industry job board, training resources, accomodation and other requirements around construction sites, as well as industry networking and news.
The students conceptualised AIRR at the EPIC challenge, hosted by UNE’s ‘SMART Region Incubator’ (SRI), where the team won $4000 for their innovative idea. UNE SMART Region Incubator Director Dr Lou Conway says our region can be a leader in this space.
“As global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net-zero by 2050 are gaining momentum, and as an identified REZ, the New England is uniquely positioned to identify and create opportunities – securing NSW’s energy supply while ensuring shared prosperity locally.”
The AIRR team are putting their winnings from the EPIC challenge towards hosting an event which will facilitate the collaboration of community members, industry specialists, and key contacts, to discuss Armidale’s future and how current and future local challenges can be overcome.
The event poses an excellent opportunity for local individuals and businesses interested in the renewable energy sector to learn more about AIRR and how it could benefit local business. Attendees will be able to discuss the concept with the app’s creators, and will also have the opportunity to network with like-minded local individuals and businesses in the renewable energy sector.
This event will be held on Friday June 30, 2023, from 2pm-4pm at Nova, 122 Faulkner Street Armidale. The event will include refreshments and an information session on AIRR, with a livestream offered for those unable to attend.
For more information visit the AIRR website
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