Ampcontrol partners with University of Newcastle

ResTech, a joint partnership between Ampcontrol and the University of Newcastle, has been officially opened by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic.

Located at the university’s industrial-focused Callaghan Campus, the new facility aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of cutting-edge technology and solutions for the energy, infrastructure and resources industries. With more than 40 people located on campus, ResTech allows for maximal interaction between staff and students with cutting-edge industry partners.

An accredited Research Service Provider, ResTech also provides opportunities for engineering students to work with industry on real-world challenges to become life-ready graduates who are community-minded, resilient and ready for work.

From standalone power systems designed to replace the traditional ‘poles and wires’ grid connections, to world-first battery electrical vehicle innovation to support the electrification of mining operations, ResTech utilises design thinking to solve complex problems in energy to help and support industries to decarbonise.

Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky explained how the university is partnering with industry to support students and the region in the clean energy transition.

“Our university has worked with Ampcontrol over a number of years and ResTech is the result of our strong partnership,” he said. “We are absolutely committed to our regions and are perfectly positioned to provide the industry partnerships, workforce facilities, leading researchers and technology expertise to help with the transition and innovation of industries across the Hunter.

“We are also passionate about ensuring our students are work-ready, so the opportunities for our engineering students to gain experience at ResTech while working on challenging research projects for industry are invaluable. It means our graduates have the practical skills and industry connections to thrive in the workplace when they graduate.”

Husic had the opportunity to meet with students and see the real-world solutions being developed to help make net zero a reality. Tiana Leck, Research & Development Engineer at ResTech, is in her final year of a Bachelor of Medical and Mechatronics Engineering. Her showcased project builds critical technology for home wind energy collection, moving closer to allowing people to install their own portable and affordable renewable energy systems.

“ResTech brings together two entities — Ampcontrol and the University of Newcastle — who are united in their goal to deliver energy solutions that will help make global net zero a reality. The engineering smarts and advanced manufacturing capability of Ampcontrol through ResTech will contribute great value to finding innovative solutions to decarbonise,” said Rod Henderson, Ampcontrol Managing Director and CEO.

ResTech has 24 dedicated research and development engineers, including students. Throughout 2023, there have been 16 university students undertaking industrial student placements and 16 final-year projects being completed through ResTech.

“Collaborating with the best will help us deliver innovation that can transform the world. The vital work coming out of ResTech is providing real-world solutions to support the energy transition — both here in the Hunter and beyond,” Henderson said.