As Australia debates the speed and scale of the energy transition, Monash University is working at the frontier of solutions. From pioneering energy technologies to reimagining markets and systems, Monash is using its research strength and partnerships to accelerate climate action.
Realising Australia's vision for a cheap, clean and reliable energy system remains a challenge. Increasing extreme weather events are causing power outages, communities are resisting new transmission projects, energy costs are rising, and there is a critical shortage of skilled professionals to manage the energy transition. Universities are uniquely positioned to address these complex issues through expertise and unbiased perspectives for the public good.
A dynamic and diverse community of energy researchers and practitioners at Monash University has a shared commitment to tackling these challenges through impactful research, professional training, and informing policy design.
As a community, Monash's impact depends on the leadership, engagement and support from our academic leaders and sponsors, as well as our external advisors and funding partners. This collaborative approach ensures Monash's work remains relevant, innovative and aligned with global energy needs.
A net-zero university in practice
Monash was the first Australian university to commit to net-zero emissions by 2030, with dramatic progress already achieved in reducing campus emissions through renewable electricity, on-site solar, and storage. Monash Energy Institute and ClimateWorks Centre at Monash developed a Net Zero on Campus Initiative which is now hosted by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The initiative published a Net Zero on Campus guide that is now published in several languages shared with over 1,000 universities globally, and brings over 200 university sustainability practitioners together through a dynamic resource kit online.
The award-winning Clayton microgrid has become a global model for how communities can integrate renewable energy, batteries and demand-response systems.
Monash's Clayton campus is one of Australia's largest real-world net zero demonstrations, with more than 90 buildings electrified.
Research at scale and scope
Over 150 Monash researchers collaborate on the energy transition. Monash's deep technical strength and interdisciplinary approach ensures solutions are robust, socially accepted, and economically viable.
Initiatives such as ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather, ARC special research initiative Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, Health and Climate Initiative, and the Energy Lab span climate science, environmental protection, public health, and energy markets, demonstrating the University's commitment to integrated research and collaboration that addresses Australia's most pressing energy and climate challenges.
