Momentum was built through partnerships in 2025 – across clean energy, agriculture, technology and infrastructure.

From projects getting funded and built, to breakthrough innovation, new product and market launches and outcomes for community, the year was defined defined by positive impact together.

Energy

Atmos Renewables broke ground on their Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS)-supported 100 MW / 400 MWh Merredin Battery in WA. This project will fortify the network connecting the Wheatbelt to Perth and the Goldfields Region, serve to reduce electricity costs for homes and businesses and deliver a cleaner, more reliable energy grid.

Technology

SwabTec commenced a program of 4,000 tests for their game-changing saliva-based diagnostic test designed to help farmers breed worm-resistant sheep without relying heavily on chemical treatments. They did this with the support from Beanstalk’s Drought Venture Studio and a $50,000 AgTech Grants Program grant from LaunchVic and Agriculture Victoria.

Construction / Agriculture

Stahmann Webster kicked off construction of a facility at Leeton in NSW, which will transform 4,000 tonnes/year of walnut shell waste into biochar. Biochar improves soil health by increasing nutrient storage and water holding capacity and sequestering carbon – supporting more sustainable and resilient food systems.

More Positive Impact Highlights

  • Valent Energy

    Energised their Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS)-supported 240 MW / 480 MWh Mornington battery project in Victoria, which will help power more than 40,000 homes.

  • Gaia EnviroTech

    Their Sustainability Victoria-backed Hepburn Shire Council project delivered 57.3% landfill diversion and produced 1,264 tonnes of compost in its first 12 months.

  • MPower

    Acquired for $19m by Wollemi Capital, which will invest more than $100 million to accelerate the rollout of MPower’s distributed energy infrastructure pipeline.

  • Diagno Energy

    Awarded a RACE for 2030 grant to further develop advanced AI-driven diagnostics software to enhance solar system safety, reliability and yield all while reducing cost.

  • SureStock

    Developed a saliva-based biometric test for resilience of cattle to environmental stresses, with the backing of the University of Sydney and Meat and Livestock Australia.

  • Bearhug

    Launched their reusable pallet wraps in the USA at the 2025 Craft Brewers Conference in Indianapolis and ran a successful trial with Metcash and Coca-Cola in Australia.

  • Blue Diamond Machinery

    Paired the EODev GEH2 hydrogen fuel cell generator with a 450kW battery to power Australia’s first electric piling rig, deployed on Melbourne’s North East Link project.

  • Green Gold Energy

    Sold their 270 MW / 8-hour Davenport battery project in Port Augusta to AMPYR Australia and opened their Tokyo office.

  • Smartizer

    Their AI-optimised modular home energy system was recognised as one of the world’s first ‘renter-ready’ clean energy systems, unlocking access to renewables.

  • SolarX

    Completed installation at the 280 MW Wollar Solar Farm in NSW, which includes 660,000 solar panels and 5,400 tracker systems across almost 500 hectares.

CoLabs
CoLabs, which runs spaces where bio-led science can thrive, went from strength to strength in 2025, with almost all lab space at their flagship premises in Notting Hill, 20 minutes from the centre of Melbourne, now taken up. In October, we presented on ownership structures, licensing and other business models to teams in their Impact Program.

Beanstalk
We linked up with the amazing venture builders at Beanstalk, one of Australia’s preeminent ag-tech accelerators, which runs the Drought Venture Resilience Lab, and advised various Beanstalk-supported teams such as SwabTec and SureStock. With 60% more food needed to feed 10 billion people by 2050, the role played by Beanstalk is vital.

CSIRO
Aaron continued in his role as mentor for CSIRO’s ON Prime program, a 9-week activity-based learning program designed for research teams across Australia to undertake customer discovery and market validation to ensure they’re tackling truly wicked problems. Aaron mentored a team charged with addressing housing (in)affordability.

EnergyLab
Aaron once again mentored at EnergyLab, Australia's largest climate tech startup accelerator and innovation ecosystem dedicated to helping us reach net zero emissions. Aaron also presented to various program cohorts on the subjects of capital raising, ownership structures, licensing and other business models.

Environmental Defenders Office
Commenced in-court proceedings in the Supreme Court of the NT to defend the iconic Mataranka Springs and Roper River ecosystem from excessive water extraction, and saw the long-overdue overhaul of Australia’s nature laws, including reforms for which the EDO has pushed over many years to halt extinctions. Schimann was again one of the EDO’s major donors in 2025.

All Energy Australia
Again, we attended the All Energy Australia conference in Melbourne, reconnecting with clients and industry leaders who are shaping Australia’s clean energy future. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with several of our clients about emerging opportunities and project challenges as well as strengthening key relationships.

Sydney University Volleyball Club
Another great year with over 10 teams competing across several divisions of state league. Notable mention must go to the Women’s Reserve Grade team, which came away with a silver medal in a hard-fought grand final. Schimann was again a major sponsor of the club in 2025, helping foster an environment for athletes to thrive on and off the court.

Aaron
Spent the year getting back to nature – from bush walks, beach swims and camping to time in the Snowy Mountains and on the farm – reinforcing the importance of long-term thinking, balance and perspective.

Antony
Focused on creating a healthier, low-emissions home through energy efficiency upgrades, making the switch to electric appliances and rooftop solar and a home battery – applying sustainability principles at home as well as at work.

2026 brings a new cycle of projects, partnerships and progress – building on the momentum created together.