Decarbonisation

The Decarbonisation theme investigates key knowledge gaps and solutions to assess opportunities and scenarios for accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy.

The theme achieves this by providing timely, independent advice to government, industry and community decisionmakers through a variety of pathways, including government submissions, bespoke reports and consultations. The theme’s outputs are based on forward-looking, strategic research designed to equip decisionmakers with knowledge that will allow them to address tomorrow’s challenges today.

The Decarbonisation theme’s researchers have deep knowledge in a range of technical disciplines as well as extensive industry and academic networks, which they draw upon to ensure their work is cutting-edge but grounded in real-world experience.

The theme ultimately aims to help society achieve an efficient and effective energy transition by providing decisionmakers with a reliable source of research-informed, practical advice.

Theme Leaders

Associate Professor Phil Hayes
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Dr Joe Lane
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Team

Dr Julie Pearce
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Dr Sebastian Hoerning
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Iain Rodger
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Jamin Wood
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Emeritus Professor Andrew (Alf) Garnett
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Current projects

Assessing the potential for carbon sequestration through hardwood plantations and regrowth forests
Utilising novel Pongamia trees to decarbonise Australia’s beef value-chain
Field trials of silvopastoral mgmt (cattle/timber co-production) in Surat basin
Pongamia prospects: Surat Basin & Northern Australia
Protecting aquifers in the race to net-zero carbon emissions
Discovery: Carbon dioxide in water nanoemulsions for carbon sequestration
Methane venting surveys and inverse modelling

2025 Publications

Pearce, J.K., Kirste, D., Dawson, G.W., Rudolph, V., Southam, G., Brink, F., Paterson, D.J., Hall, N., Sommacal, S., and Golding, S.D. (2025). Pure CO2 and impure CO2-SO2-NO-O2 reactions with carbon storage site underlying seals: coaly mudstones and carbonate cemented sandstones. Science of The Total Environment 963 178391 178391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178391

Pearce, J. K., Dawson, G. W., Turner, L., Southam, G., Brink, F., Paterson, D., Kirste, D., and Golding, S. D. (2025). Metal mobilisation and fines migration in pure CO2 and impure CO2-SO2-NO reactions of carbon storage site core. The Science of the Total Environment 958 177993 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177993

Previous publications

Since launching in 2013, the Centre has published over 300 journal article, book chapters, posters, conference abstracts, and presentations. You can view the complete list here.

Quantifying Methane Emissions

Learn more about the cutting-edge technology the Centre is using to identify, visualise, and quantify fugitive methane emissions. The Centre is also looking for partners from across a range of sectors to conduct independent research in using the technology.