Australia’s clean energy transition is well underway but there are strong headwinds on our decarbonisation journey. This will be one of the key messages from Professor Frank Jotzo of The Australian National University (ANU) at the ANU Energy Update event today.

“Progress has been rapid on energy transition and green export industries holds great promise. But there are supply chain constraints, investor uncertainty, social licence issues and cost of living constraints,” Professor Jotzo said.

“Federal and state governments have their work cut out shepherding change in a way that is economically successful and socially desirable,” said Professor Jotzo, who is Head of Energy at the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions and also a Professor at the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy.

The Energy Update brings together perspectives across research, government and industry.

“We’ll be discussing how Australia can achieve net-zero emissions, the regional and social dimensions of the energy transition, and developments in green industry policy. We will hear perspectives from the Climate Change Authority, the Department of Climate Change and Energy, the Net Zero Economy Authority, The Next Economy institute, and the Australian Aluminium Council with leading ANU energy researchers.”  

The event will include a keynote address from The Hon Matt Kean, the new chair of Australia’s Climate Change Authority.

Matt Kean will discuss the Authority’s recent work laying out trajectories for Australia to reach net zero emissions, with specific analysis for each sector of the economy. Discussion will also cover consideration towards recommendations for Australia’s 2035 emissions target.

“We should lean into science, evidence, engineering and economics to unlock the capital, technology and innovation needed to help decarbonise Australia’s economy. The Authority’s Sector Pathway Review provides a blueprint for the legislative, regulatory and policy solutions that can help drive change,” said Mr Kean. 

Mr Kean commenced as Chair of the Climate Change Authority in August this year after a 13-year tenure in the NSW Government during which he held ministries of Innovation and Better Regulation, Treasury, Energy and Environment.

The ANU Energy Update 2024 takes place online and in-person from 1.30-5pm on Wednesday 18 February.