The QUT Energy Transition Centre was formally launched yesterday (Thursday, 12 February) as a critical national hub designed to accelerate Australia's transition to a sustainable, net zero energy future.
Codirected by Professor Sara Couperthwaite and Professor Raja Jurdak, the Centre brings together researchers, industry, government and community partners to drive innovation across the full energy ecosystem - from critical minerals and battery manufacturing to digital energy systems, grid resilience and policy reform.
Professor Couperthwaite said the Centre was created to help Australia meet the scale and urgency of the energy transition. Its brief includes developing crucial sectors of the economy and bringing innovative clean energy solutions to consumers.
"Australia has the opportunity to lead the world in sustainable energy systems, but it requires deep collaboration across minerals, manufacturing, digital technologies and policy," Professor Couperthwaite said.
"Our new Centre brings these capabilities together so we can accelerate innovation and deliver real world impact."
The Centre's five major research themes span the entire energy supply chain - sustainable minerals, resources and infrastructure; energy production and storage; integrated energy systems; the internet of energy; and energy policy, markets and human factors
Professor Jurdak said the Centre was already working with partners across industry and government to translate research into practical solutions.
"We're building the digital, technical and policy foundations needed for a resilient, affordable and low emissions energy future," Professor Jurdak said.
"Our researchers are developing next generation batteries, smarter grid technologies and data driven energy systems that support Australia's net zero ambitions."
The Centre has already secured more than $27 million in active grants across minerals, batteries, hydrogen and grid systems, and recently established the $15 million QUEST Hub with the Queensland Government to support the state's emerging battery industries and sovereign capability.
Professor Couperthwaite said the Centre was designed to be a catalyst for national impact.
"We want industry, government and community partners to see this as their Centre-a place where challenges can be brought, solutions can be codesigned and Australia's energy future can be shaped together," she said.
Main image: Professor Sara Couperthwaite, Alison Reeve, Energy and Climate Change Program Director at the Grattan Institute, and Professor Raja Jurdak. Photo: Cameron Johnston
