Stories of success
Be inspired by NSW businesses taking action to save energy, reduce their emissions, and be more sustainable.
![](/sites/default/files/2022-08/EVs-fleet-AGL-casestudy_NissanLeaf_800px-hi.jpg)
Second Life Solar
We embrace second-hand clothes and second-hand cars. So why not second-hand solar panels? Solar panels are an important part of our energy transition, but the rapid pace of technology improvements means solar systems are ending up in the skip bin sooner than anticipated. Discarded panels accumulated from Australia alone could circle the earth 3 times by 2033, if laid end-to-end. This problem is also a significant circular economy opportunity. And it's an opportunity that's about to be fully realised with a 100 kW second hand solar system in Wagga Wagga, 10 times the size of Second Life Solar’s award-winning pilot plant.
![Solar panels with garden in background](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_image/public/2024-04/202404-solar-100399-56-1440px.jpg)
Collaboration is key to Port Authority’s prize-winning plan for net zero
Port Authority of NSW has embarked on an ambitious, sector-leading net zero emissions journey. As a Sustainability Advantage Bronze Partner, they have worked with Sustainability Advantage to create an award-winning Sustainability Plan that has, in turn, driven a series of transformative actions. The plan is the result of close collaboration of staff, along with Port Authority’s customers and suppliers.
![Ship carrying containers, person on smaller boat](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_image/public/2023-12/202312-portauthority-1440px.jpg)
Hysata’s electrolyser technology puts Australia at the forefront of the green energy revolution
Hysata is a green energy start-up based in Port Kembla. Bringing down the cost of clean hydrogen, their technological breakthrough is helping accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels in the world’s push toward net-zero targets.
![Exterior photo of Hysata building](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_image/public/2023-12/202312-Hysata-1440px.jpg)
The Melt is helping transform the Hunter into a clean energy super precinct
The Melt is a hardware accelerator that provides programs, services, facilities, and investment attraction to help clean technology and manufacturing start-ups - from idea to global scale. Based in Muswellbrook, their latest industrial prototyping hub helps businesses fast-track great ideas into ready-to-market products.
![Photo of lab with sign that says The Melt](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_image/public/2023-12/202312-TheMelt19072023-51-1440px.jpg)
NSW innovation that is 'wow'
Meet our big blue hydrogen-powered bus, driving us closer to our net zero future. First stop, the Central Coast.
Our trial of NSW's first hydrogen-powered bus is helping us see what net zero transport could look like. And like all shiny new toys, Red Bus Services Asset Manager John Shaw says “all the drivers want to have a go.”
![Hydrogen bus in front of gum trees](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_image/public/2023-10/HYD020623-MB-151.jpg)
CSIRO’s Data Clearing House software is helping industry get the most out of their on-site renewable energy
Unlocking valuable insights into how smart buildings use energy, CSIRO's Data Clearing House helps buildings conserve power and plays a key role in the smart distributed energy grid.
![Smart house app](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_image/public/2023-08/iStock-1273885129_700x500.jpg)
UoW’s Clean Energy Living Laboratory is set to be Australia's first mixed-use, precinct-based microgrid
University of Wollongong's Clean Energy Living Laboratory is supporting the development of microgrid technology to provide communities with sustainable and resilient locally produced renewable energy, as well as better manage their energy usage.
![University of Wollongong building](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_image/public/2023-07/202307-SBRCTour-1-1440px.jpg)
Grant’s business got a head start with new energy efficient refrigerators
Setting up your own business can be a costly endeavour, especially during a pandemic. Accessing government funding made it easier for Bottlekegcan to improve energy efficiency and cut the cost of energy bills.
![Person standing in front of fridges in bottle shop](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_image/public/2023-01/202301-bottlekeg-case-study-1440px.jpg)
Zero In on sustainable leaders
A place to celebrate and be inspired by NSW’s sustainability champions!
Zero In is unearthing and sharing the stories and getting to know the human face of the people leading us to a sustainable, net zero future.
![Man standing with EV charger](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_image/public/2022-08/bondi-ev-charge_0.jpg)
AGL steering towards an electric future
The NSW Government’s Net Zero Plan will see the state reach net zero emissions by 2050. As part of that commitment, the NSW Government will offer support for fleets to transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). One corporate fleet already on that road belongs to AGL, where 10% of its 400-plus vehicles are already electric.
![AGL branded electric car](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_image/public/2022-08/EVs-fleet-AGL-casestudy_NissanLeaf_800px-hi.jpg)
Port of Newcastle fleet heading all electric
As the first Australasian port to join the International EcoPorts network, the Port of Newcastle has committed to integrating sustainable practices in all its operations, including fleet cars.
![Port of Newcastle branded EV](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_image/public/2022-08/PoN_RED%20Export_240402-55%20%282%29.jpg)
Tridon Australia cutting manufacturing energy costs
Tridon is one of around 90 sites across NSW —nearly half of them in the regions— which have taken advantage of government funding which helps businesses be more energy efficient.
![Employee of Tridon standing with air compressor](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_image/public/2022-08/Tridon-compressed-air-upgrade_case-study_0.jpg)