Perth-based energy-efficiency start-up Ecocentric has announced the appointment of Dr Ross Waring as chairman. [ + ]

While the bulk of the mining boom is behind us, demand for lithium may keep our resources sector rolling for a little longer. [ + ]

The Schneider Electric portfolio of prefabricated and micro data centre solutions has been named Data Centre Power Product of the Year at the DCS Awards 2016. [ + ]

NEC Australia, together with NEC New Zealand, has announced an agreement with Tait Communications to deliver mission-critical wireless services to emergency services organisations worldwide. [ + ]

Rittal is building on its existing product portfolio through the creation of a new business unit — Rittal Automation Systems (RAS). The new enterprise will assume responsibility for and expand upon the product range provided by its sister company, Kiesling. [ + ]

Soft, stretchy batteries and solar cells being developed by scientists hold the key to overcoming the barriers experienced by current wearable technology. Existing technologies are limited by their rigid nature and modest electrical performance, according to a recent article on the ABC news website, which draws on a report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. [ + ]

A new edition of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) will be available from August. [ + ]

Sydney has a brand new nanoscience centre, which is being heralded as one of the most controlled places on the planet. The $150 million Sydney Nanosicence Hub (SNH), located at the University of Sydney, will focus on a range of nanoscience areas, including the development of nanobatteries for renewable energy storage. [ + ]

Leading independent vehicle safety advocate the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has released safety ratings for several commercial van and people-mover models. [ + ]

Schneider Electric has selected 100 teams for the semifinals of its sixth annual Go Green in the City student competition. Launched in 2011, the competition provides business and engineering students (second-year undergraduate or higher) with a powerful opportunity to showcase innovative energy management ideas for smarter cities. [ + ]

Westpac and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) are working together to provide Australian businesses with an easier way to take control of their energy costs, using low-cost finance to support investment in solar, energy-efficient technologies and low-emissions vehicles. [ + ]

The increasing lean towards electrification and hybridisation of commercial vehicles is creating demand for sustainable and cost-efficient technologies. Finland's Electric Commercial Vehicles (ECV) project, coordinated by VTT Technical Research Centre, brings together business, research institutes and universities to create products and markets across the entire value chain — from components to systems. [ + ]

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is asking owners and occupiers of residential dwellings to consider higher levels of protection than the law requires with respect to smoke alarms. [ + ]

A sheep's head or a curious cat could have been one of the reasons behind your power outage last year. [ + ]

Google is making progress in its quest to lead the driverless vehicle charge, with plans to add 100 vehicles to its fleet in the next 12 months. [ + ]