News

The Net Zero Australia (NZAu) Project has kicked off a new phase of analysis, bringing together world leading experts to build on its highly successful earlier study.

The NZAu Project was started in 2021 because no comprehensive, non-political and rigorous modelling had been done to illustrate the scale, cost, pace and impacts of the Australian energy transition. This next phase of the Project will continue the partnership between the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, and the Andlinger Center at Princeton University.

“We are excited to continue this important Project. The transition to net zero emissions is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. This new phase aims to provide practical and scalable solutions that can help drive real progress. All options must continue to play a potential role.”
– Professor Michael Brear, The University of Melbourne

The NZAu Project will release quarterly reports that seek to answer questions like:

1. How can we improve the planning and implementation of large-scale decarbonisation initiatives?
2. How can land use support natural ecosystems, agriculture and carbon management whilst enabling the rapid roll out of clean energy infrastructure?
3. What measures are needed to benefit local communities, mobilise the required workforce and engage households in the clean energy transition?

“This next phase of the NZAu Project will undertake deeper analysis of major aspects of the decarbonisation challenge, making practical recommendations that can help achieve deep decarbonisation whilst respecting social and environmental needs.”
– Associate Professor Simon Smart, The University of Queensland

“The National discourse still needs contributions that focus on the fundamentals, including costs, security/reliability, GHG emissions and Australia’s welfare and prosperity.”
– Professor Chris Greig, Princeton University

The NZAu Project will release its first Topical Report on 24^th September, 2025. This report will include updates to the required builds of renewable and complementary technologies to meet net zero emissions. The projected roles for carbon capture and storage, nuclear power and other options will also be reassessed.

The NZAu Project will then release quarterly reports with deeper analyses of key aspects of the decarbonisation challenge for both Australia’s domestic energy system and our exports.

Register for the Topical Report seminar, subscribe for updates and announcements, follow on LinkedIn, or visit www.netzeroaustralia.net.au for further details.

About Net Zero Australia

The Net Zero Australia (NZAu) Project is a partnership between the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, and the Andlinger Center at Princeton University. The Project is overseen by a Steering Committee comprised of senior academics and independent members. A distinguished Advisory Group also provides independent advisory to the Project and includes nominees from the Australian Conservation Foundation, the National Farmers Federation, the National Native Title Council, the St Vincent de Paul Society Australia, other independent nominees by the Project Steering Committee and nominees from our financial supporters.

The NZAu Project has and will continue to consult widely with our Advisory Group members and many other stakeholders but is independent of them all. The NZAu Project therefore does not purport to represent the positions of any of our Advisory Group members or our financial supporters or imply that they have agreed to our methodologies or results.

The NZAu Project acknowledges the financial support from the APA Group, the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA), EnergyAustralia, the Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre (FEnEx CRC) and Iberdrola Australia.

Net Zero Australia spokespeople are available for interview on request.

Media contact:

Anita La Rosa
Institute Manager, Melbourne Energy Institute
The University of Melbourne
M: +61 405 035 355 E: anita.larosa@unimelb.edu.au