Net Zero Australia Report: A Significant Collaboration

By Professor Robin Batterham AO

Professor Robin Batterham played a key role in Net Zero Australia, a Modelling Summary report—an item worth reviewing, especially as it addresses industry, government, and business in partnership. It points to a future economically beneficial role for this country, enhancing export earnings.

During the past year, I had the honour of being actively involved in a project of significant importance to Australia’s pursuit of achieving net carbon zero. This endeavour was published in April 2023.



The Net Zero Australia (NZAu) Project stands as a collaborative partnership between the University of Melbourne, The University of Queensland, Princeton University, and the management consultancy Nous Group. The study meticulously explores pathways and detailed infrastructure requirements through which Australia can transition to net zero emissions, emerging as a major exporter of low-emission energy and products.

The responsible and collaborative nature of such modelling is, of course, crucial to the formulation of action plans that will provide guidance to both government and industry. In this instance, considerable effort was invested to ensure the soundness of the modelling’s approach, fundamentals, and, consequently, its integrity. Collaborators extended well beyond those in science and academia, encompassing, for example, the farming community, Energy Consumers Australia, the Council of Trade Unions, and the Australian Conservation Foundation, among numerous others.

The body of the report, regrettably too lengthy to reproduce here but succinct (84 pages across 7 chapters), is richly and helpfully illustrated. It will undoubtedly be of interest to anyone concerned about the challenge of energy transition facing the world today. The report can be viewed at:

http://www.netzeroaustralia.net.au/

Professor Robin Batterham was Chief Scientist of Australia from 1999 to 2006 and is presently Kernot Professor of Engineering at the University of Melbourne.