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Explore CSIRO

About CSIRO

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world.

CSIRO's core areas of impact
Contact Enquiries: Phone - 1300 363 400 | Email - Enquiries@csiro.au | Contact Us
Text: The National Solar Centre is a facility available for solar energy research and product developments. Image: Three-dimensional digital illustration of the NSEC site. Image from Cox Richardson Architects and Planners.
Silhouette of powerlines at dusk.
Energy overview

Australia has abundant reserves of coal and natural gas, large potential supplies of biomass and geothermal energy, and virtually unlimited sunlight, wind, wave and tidal power. Using the resources wisely is our challenge.
CSIRO’s advanced coal gasification facility is located in Queensland
Cleaner and more efficient coal utilisation technologies

CSIRO’s gasification research is examining ways to utilise Australia’s coal resources in the most energy efficient, environmentally aware and economically beneficial means possible.
 
Energy Efficiency
 

The term energy efficiency refers to gaining the same, or a higher level of useful output, using less inputs. CSIRO is tackling the problem from both industry and everyday angles.

Image shows a power station in operation with stacks billowing smoke and high voltage power lines on the site. The image is shown in silhouette against the sky at sunset.
Energy & Environment
 

The impact of energy developments on air quality, land and water are significant. CSIRO monitors and mitigates these impacts, paving the way for an environmentally sustainable energy future.

Eucalyptus tree tops
Energy from Coal
 

CSIRO researchers are working to assist the coal and energy industries to adopt and implement new technologies to produce electrical power, industrial chemicals and clean hydrogen fuel from Australia’s coal reserves.

A hand holds a large coal lump. Gas separation provides clean gases for energy applications.
Energy from Oil & Gas
 

Fossil fuels allow us to drive our cars, turn our lights on and take a hot shower. CSIRO is researching how to efficiently use these valuable fuels while reducing harmful emissions.

Image of an oil rig at sea
Energy Generation & Storage
 

Now and for the future, CSIRO is researching how to efficiently create energy from existing and new sources and how to store it.

Close up photo of a AA battery.
Energy Modelling & Decision Support
 

Developing models to determine the impact of potential future events, policies and technology breakthroughs on the uptake of new technologies in electricity generation and road transport.

Electricity infrastructure power lines.
Renewable Energy
 

CSIRO research in renewable energy aims to develop the underlying science and next generation technologies for energy production.

Wind turbine.