CSIRO's research

Safe and productive coal recovery
Safe and productive coal recovery

- We are delivering advanced technologies that improve the safety, efficiency and cost competitiveness of Australia’s coal mining industry.

High efficiency, low emission energy from coal
High efficiency, low emission energy from coal

- We are developing new technology pathways to support industry in its transition to high efficiency, low emission energy generation from coal.

Carbon dioxide capture and storage
Carbon dioxide capture and storage

- Carbon capture technology is a proven technology pathway for reducing CO2 emissions from fossil energy. Carbon dioxide is not emitted to the atmosphere but stored in deep and stable geological strata.

Coal remains the primary fuel for electricity power generation worldwide. It contributes more than 75 per cent of Australia’s electricity needs and is one of our largest export earners.

However coal mining and combustion is currently responsible for approximately 40 per cent of our greenhouse gas emissions. The challenge for Australia is to secure the nation’s requirements for reliable and affordable energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a future carbon constrained global environment.

CSIRO has an extensive research program that covers the safe and productive recovery of coal, high efficiency low emission technologies for energy generation and carbon dioxide capture and storage.

Our expertise

Our people

Our people Slideshow
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Dr John Carras: Director, Advanced Coal Technology

Dr John Carras leads CSIRO's Advanced Coal Technology Portfolio which brings together CSIRO’s research across the coal value chain including mining, coal utilisation and carbon capture and storage.

Dr Hua Guo: leading research into coal mining

Dr Hua Guo is a Chief Research Scientist and leads the CSIRO Coal Production theme. Currently Hua’s research is focusing on coal mine methane capture maximisation and utilisation, coal mining safety, and deep coal mining.

Dr David Harris: a leader of low emission electricity research

Dr David Harris’ work is focused on the facilitation and implementation of low emission coal-based power and energy technologies which address the necessary major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from power generation.

Dr Lincoln Paterson: understanding fluid flow in sedimentary rocks

Dr Lincoln Paterson is researching fluid flow in sedimentary rocks and leads research spanning carbon dioxide storage, hydrocarbon recovery and geothermal energy.

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Facilities

Facilities Slideshow
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Brisbane: Pullenvale, Qld (Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies)

The Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies (QCAT) is a joint venture between CSIRO and the Queensland Government. It is a multi-divisional research site where innovative solutions for the mining, manufacturing and energy sectors are produced.

CSIRO Energy Centre

The CSIRO Energy Centre in Newcastle is a state-of-the-art facility which showcases a unique combination of energy efficient building design and small-scale generation units delivering renewable and low emission power to the site.

Australian Resources Research Centre: Perth, Western Australia

A leading research centre where scientists can interact, exchange information and explore new ideas in partnership with industry to ensure the ongoing sustainability of our resources industries, our environment and our way of life.

Melbourne: Clayton, Vic (Clayton laboratories)

CSIRO’s site at Clayton, Victoria is adjacent to Monash University and the Australian Synchrotron. More than 800 staff members work in energy, resources, forestry, manufacturing, chemicals, health, information, agribusiness and more.

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