Researching and commercialising future energy needs and alternative fuel sources.
Energy is a key determinant of Australia's future economic growth and prosperity yet global warming threatens to change all aspects of life on earth – both socially and economically. Ongoing human activity has increased the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to the atmosphere and most climate scientists believe that the environmental imbalance and unnatural warming is one of the most significant challenges facing the world today.
Recognising these issues, energy reform is high on the agendas of both Federal and State Governments. Australia must develop science-based greenhouse gas mitigation strategies for the transport and stationary energy sectors that allow us to remain globally competitive.
Researching future energy needs
The Energy Transformed National Research Flagship was established to respond to environmental challenges facing the energy sector and is in line with national research priorities.
In collaboration with national and global partners, this Flagship seeks to deliver energy solutions for a sustainable future.
Research indicates that electricity production and transport are two of the major contributors to GHG emissions. To tackle this, the Energy Transformed Flagship has created four research project themes. They are:
By doubling the efficiency by which fuel is utilised for energy, Australia will reduce its supply-side requirements.
-
low emission electricity
-
low emission transport
-
distributed energy
-
energy futures.
The Flagship aims to identify optimum sustainable energy pathways and to supply information to the energy sector regarding current research in this field.
Greenhouse gas reduction
Our aims are to halve greenhouse gas emissions and double the efficiency of Australia’s new energy generation technologies. We will achieve this by:
-
creating a national energy model that is developed in response to the needs of industry, government and the community
-
developing and implementing technologies that eventually lead to zero emissions power generation from fossil fuels and large-scale hydrogen generation
-
increasing the fuel and traffic management efficiency of urban transport as part of the eventual transition to hydrogen vehicles.
Progress in these areas will ensure that Australia well advanced in its capacity and capability to embrace the hydrogen economy later in the 21st century.
Our work in the energy field is being conducted in several CSIRO Divisions:
-
CSIRO Energy Technology
-
CSIRO Exploration and Mining
-
CSIRO Industrial Physics
-
CSIRO Manufacturing & Materials Technology
-
CSIRO Minerals
-
CSIRO Petroleum Resources.
The ultimate objective is to achieve near zero emissions from the utilisation of energy worldwide.
CSIRO has accepted the challenge to play a significant role in achieving this essential national and international goal.
Visit the Energy Transformed Flagship.
Site Map | Legal Notice and Disclaimer | Privacy | Copyright | Last updated: 31 May 2005
