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Zero-Carbon Energy for the Asia-Pacific

Underpinning transformation in the way Australia trades with the world and specifically with the Asia-Pacific – based on renewable energy.

Zero-Carbon Energy for the Asia-Pacific is a strategic Grand Challenge initiative of ANU in which the University is investing $10m from 2019 to 2023.

This Grand Challenge recognises that Australia is a renewable-energy powerhouse and a resource-rich nation, whose immediate neighbours in the Indo-Pacific will account for two-thirds of the world's energy demand growth in the coming decades.

Decarbonising further energy use and cutting existing emissions in the region are essential if the world is to have any chance of meeting its goals for limiting climate change. In a rapidly decarbonising world, Australia's carbon emitting exports will need to shift to zero-carbon embedded energy exports in order to maintain our role as an energy export powerhouse.

Our goal

To support a timely, just and sustainable transition to zero-carbon energy in the Asia-Pacific

World-class ANU expertise in energy, the Asia-Pacific and Indigenous policy is combined in an inter-disciplinary research program to deliver targeted social, political, environmental, economic and technological outcomes with impact. We are the only research institution with a comprehensive program targeting the energy transformation of Australia's trading engagement with the Indo-Pacific.

The program consists of five interrelated projects:

  • Renewable Energy Systems
  • Hydrogen Fuels
  • Renewable Energy Policy and Governance in Asia-Pacific countries
  • Renewable Metal Refining
  • Indigenous Engagement with Renewable Energy Industries.

Objectives

We will use research and engagement to help:

  • Transform the way Australia trades with the world through the development of zero-carbon export industries
  • Create new paradigms in benefit sharing
  • Develop technologies, policies and approaches that can be applied in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.