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On the 24th of May, ACCIONA Energía and Deakin University hosted a panel discussion that brought together industry leaders, experts and innovators to explore the critical challenges and opportunities in Australia’s renewable energy landscape.
Melbourne Design Week, hosted by the National Gallery of Victoria, creates an opportunity for the discussion of design through tours, exhibitions and launches across the week. During this week, ACCIONA Energía and Deakin University displayed the partnership's ASCEND solar car that will race in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (WSC) in October this year, and hosted a panel to discuss challenges and solutions in the transition to an electric vehicle landscape.
One panelist, Matt Jennings, is a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the School of Engineering, Deakin University and he provided insight on the design characteristics of the ASCEND solar vehicle as well as challenges that have been faced during the development of the car, and solutions for these.
ACCIONA Energía's Siham Knowles, General Manager of Technical Services, was able to speak about how challenges like the WSC accelerate the transition to a sustainable future, with this becoming more crucial to achieve Australia's energy transformation and emission reduction targets.
David Halliwell, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, Partnerships, at Deakin University, was the last speaker who spoke about the partnership and the importance of connecting industry and universities to solve problems. "It's about finding the sweet spot of using university capability to answer industry problems," said David. David also advocated for more women to join STEM based courses, and hoped that Siham could be an inspiration for young women choosing career paths.
The ASCEND solar vehicle was on display at Federation Square on the 24th and 25th of May, and students were available during this time to speak to the public about the car and the upcoming race.
Watch the progress of the car here: