CSIRO will commit an initial $90 million toward collaboratively researching new carbon abatement solutions, in support of halving emission from fossil-fuel-reliant industries by 2035.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s (CSIRO) newly-announced Towards Net Zero Mission will assist difficult-to-abate industries – including aviation, steel and agriculture – in reducing carbon emissions.
The large-scale scientific and collaborative research initiative brings together research, industry, government, and communities and is committed to:
- Supporting a profitable and sustainable agriculture industry in a low emissions world
- Identifying what is required to develop new low emissions steel and iron ore processes
- Identifying what is required to develop sustainable aviation fuel to support our aviation sector
- Helping regions navigate the transition to net zero through new collaborations, analysis, and support
- Expanding Australia’s carbon offset capacity by using and scaling negative emission technologies such as carbon sequestration
CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Larry Marshall, said transitioning these industries is not just about using new technology to solve a global problem, but deliberately turning that problem into new economic growth by building national capability and reimagining how we live and work.
“Our hard to abate industries like resources and agriculture are critical Australian advantages and are deeply embedded into the fabric of our regions – regions that our country is built on,” Dr Marshall said.
“So, our Mission must be co-developed not just with those in the hard to abate industries, but also in partnership with their communities to understand the impacts and opportunities arising from new science-enabled technologies and ways of doing business.
“The transformation of these hard to abate industries and regions is critical to our nation’s future prosperity, and Australian science will ensure no one gets left behind in this enormous transition. Every Australian is part of the journey to net zero.”
The Towards Net Zero Mission brings together CSIRO with government partners and collaborators, along with industry partners and collaborators, including: BHP, Boeing, Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC), Climate-Kic, ClimateWorks, Incitec Pivot, PMG Australia, and Meat & Livestock Australia.
