ABB has been awarded a $29 million order to provide complete electrical and automation systems for the conveyors at a new coal export terminal currently under construction in north-eastern Australia. [ + ]

The Australian Solar Council has rejected a call by the Productivity Commission to abolish the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). [ + ]

Australian estuaries may be more important than previously thought in capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere, according to new research from Southern Cross University’s Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry Research. [ + ]

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has unveiled a robust environmental strategy to address unprecedented levels of global biodiversity loss. [ + ]

Masdar has announced the awarding of the design and construction contract for its new headquarters complex, which will also house the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The headquarters will be one of the most advanced, sustainable, multiuse complexes in the United Arab Emirates. [ + ]

SLR Consulting Australia has announced the merger-acquisition of GSS Environmental (GSSE), an Australian provider of environmental consulting and project management services to clients in the mining, minerals, land development and natural resource sectors. [ + ]

As part of Melbourne Knowledge Week, a talk on Australian biotechnology is being held on 29 November from 5.30-7.30 pm at Hilton on the Park, Melbourne. [ + ]

On the morning of 14 November 2012, the north of Australia will witness a total solar eclipse. Panasonic, using only its HIT solar panels and lithium-ion batteries for storage, will produce a live broadcast of this incredible spectacle live via USTREAM. [ + ]

The seventh edition of Eco Expo Asia, a professional trade fair dedicated to green business in Asia, will be held from 27-30 October at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong. [ + ]

Leaders from Germany’s water and waste management industry will meet with policymakers and local business partners at the Green Tech Industry Conference on 29 October 2012 in Sydney. [ + ]

Despite the reported benefits of bioenergy, the uptake in Australia has been relatively slow. What is holding the industry back and where are the opportunities for growth? This, and more, will be discussed at the Bioenergy Australia 2012 Conference ‘Biomass for a low carbon future’, which is being held at the Sebel & Citigate Albert Park Hotel, Melbourne, from 26 to 27 November 2012, with an off-site technical tour of bioenergy facilities in the region on 28 November 2012. [ + ]

The Smart Water Fund has announced that applications will open later this month for $1 million in funding to support innovative urban water projects. [ + ]

Aldi has become the first Australian national grocery retailer to initiate a free in-store recycling service across all stores for common household batteries, with the launch of the Aldi Activ Energy Battery Recycling Program. [ + ]

Athfield Architects has taken out the 2012 Supreme Concrete³ Sustainability Award for its extensive refurbishment of the new Christchurch Civic Building on Hereford Street. [ + ]

Compounds that affect respiratory health have been found in biodiesel exhausts. This might lead to restrictions on the use of this form of biofuel as an alternative to fossil fuel, according to researchers from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). [ + ]