A Canberra initiative is calling for innovative minds Australia-wide to help accelerate the take-up of zero emission vehicles and reach a net zero emissions target by 2045.
ActewAGL and Canberra Innovation Network have collaborated to host a hackathon, calling on groups to deliver solutions in the accessibility and adoption of electric and hydrogen powered cars.
ActewAGL General Manager of new energy, James Dunlop, said a change in community attitude toward the technology was vital in reaching the target.
“The technology is already here but how do we shift consumer behaviour and thinking to get a better understanding, and a better level of acceptance and comfort with embracing these future technologies,” he said.
“That is the missing link at the moment. It’s a great area of exploration for ideas and solutions to come through this hackathon.”
The virtual event will be held between 9 and 13 November, inviting diverse groups to create and pitch their ideas to a panel of judges.
The top three winning teams will receive $10,000 and industry support to turn their ideas into concepts.
Canberra Innovation Network CEO Petr Adamek said ideas could include anything from new policy, charging infrastructure or technology.
“The future is green, we want to sustainably exist on this planet, and we need to do better as a society,” he said.
“Transportation is a big source of these emissions and there are solutions and technologies available to make our life better on this planet, we just need to adopt them much faster.
“We want people, the citizens and community to come up with these ideas.”
The ACT previously reached its 100% renewable electricity target during 2019 and outlined its goal of net zero emissions by 2045 in the ACT Climate Change Strategy 2019-25.
Currently, 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in Canberra are produced from transport.
Mr Adamek said reaching this target would be easier as a community.
“To move to zero emissions, we are very ambitious. We want to do this by 2045 and if the community comes together, we can do it faster,” he said.
Teams are encouraged to register online.
