The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) in partnership with the Net Zero Economy Authority seeks to:
- Identify the critical energy research required to meet Australia’s 2030, 2035 and 2050 targets
- Survey the research gaps and articulate the most pressing challenges, risks, and opportunities across the energy system
- Bring together insights from science, engineering, economics, social sciences, First Nations engagement, regulation, finance and industry innovation
- Establish the foundational research directions essential for guiding policy, investment and national decision-making for an effective energy transition
- Ensure Australia moves forward with a holistic, cross-sector approach grounded in evidence and shared priorities
Summit outputs will include a summary statement that will feed into a new Australian Energy Transition Research Plan 2026, aligned with Net Zero policies and timed to inform COP31 discussions.
Please note: This event has limited seating. Early registration is essential to secure a place.
Essential reading
Australian Energy Transition Research Plan, ACOLA, 2021-2025
A national and coordinated research plan that outlines urgent and strategic research priorities, funding needs, and pathways for translating research into impact to help Australia reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Australia’s Net Zero Plan, DCCEEW, 2025
Australia’s national plan for achieving net zero emissions by 2050, outlining sector pathways, investment priorities, and the overall strategy for decarbonisation.
AEMO Research Priorities, 2025
Outlines several priority research topics that AEMO is interested in progressing through engagement with the research community.
The State of Energy Transition Technologies Report, CSIRO, 2025
Explores RD&D opportunities to support the adoption of technologies that can accelerate cost-effective, low-risk, and integrated technology pathways across five major sectors.
Sector Pathways Review, Climate Change Authority, 2024
Independent assessment of decarbonisation trajectories across major sectors, identifying risks, opportunities, and evidence gaps.
Integrated System Plan (ISP) Overview, AEMO, 2024
The ISP is a roadmap for the transition of the National Electricity Market (NEM) power system. It outlines the mix of generation, storage and network investments required to meet both consumer needs and government energy and emissions targets between now and 2050.
Extended reading
Examining JUST Energy Metrics: Exploring Australian research opportunities, ACOLA, 2025
A comprehensive exploration of how justice can be assessed across Australia’s energy transition. The report offers a pathway for governments, industry and communities to shape a transition that is fair, inclusive and trusted.
Vulnerability and Australia’s Energy Transition: Why Understanding Risk Matters, ACOLA, 2025
An examination of how the shift to net zero may create or intensify vulnerabilities, identifies where the evidence is lacking, and outlines the research priorities needed to guide equitable, evidence-based policy.
Australia’s Net Zero Transformation: Treasury Modelling and Analysis, 2025
Examines the impact of the net zero transformation on Australia and provides insights into the economic opportunities from different pathways.
2035 Emissions Reduction Targets Report, Climate Change Authority, 2025
Finds that an emissions reduction target of 62–70% from 2005 levels represents Australia’s highest possible ambition taking account of the matters set out under the relevant legislation, is achievable, and is in Australia’s national and economic interest.
Consumer Energy Report Card, Energy Consumers Australia, December 2025
Tracks consumer attitudes on affordability, DER, electrification, and trust.
About the research plan
The Australian Energy Transition Research Plan, led by ACOLA, is a nationally coordinated blueprint guiding interdisciplinary research to support a fair, inclusive and efficient transition to net zero. It identifies priority research areas, strengthens collaboration, and ensures investments are targeted and impactful.
Australian Energy Transition Research Plan, ACOLA, 2021-2025
A national and coordinated research plan that outlines urgent and strategic research priorities, funding needs, and pathways for translating research into impact to help Australia reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Australia’s Net Zero Plan, DCCEEW, 2025
Australia’s national plan for achieving net zero emissions by 2050, outlining sector pathways, investment priorities, and the overall strategy for decarbonisation.
AEMO Research Priorities, 2025
Outlines several priority research topics that AEMO is interested in progressing through engagement with the research community.
The State of Energy Transition Technologies Report, CSIRO, 2025
Explores RD&D opportunities to support the adoption of technologies that can accelerate cost-effective, low-risk, and integrated technology pathways across five major sectors.
Sector Pathways Review, Climate Change Authority, 2024
Independent assessment of decarbonisation trajectories across major sectors, identifying risks, opportunities, and evidence gaps.
Integrated System Plan (ISP) Overview, AEMO, 2024
The ISP is a roadmap for the transition of the National Electricity Market (NEM) power system. It outlines the mix of generation, storage and network investments required to meet both consumer needs and government energy and emissions targets between now and 2050.
Examining JUST Energy Metrics: Exploring Australian research opportunities, ACOLA, 2025
A comprehensive exploration of how justice can be assessed across Australia’s energy transition. The report offers a pathway for governments, industry and communities to shape a transition that is fair, inclusive and trusted.
Vulnerability and Australia’s Energy Transition: Why Understanding Risk Matters, ACOLA, 2025
An examination of how the shift to net zero may create or intensify vulnerabilities, identifies where the evidence is lacking, and outlines the research priorities needed to guide equitable, evidence-based policy.
Australia’s Net Zero Transformation: Treasury Modelling and Analysis, 2025
Examines the impact of the net zero transformation on Australia and provides insights into the economic opportunities from different pathways.
2035 Emissions Reduction Targets Report, Climate Change Authority, 2025
Finds that an emissions reduction target of 62–70% from 2005 levels represents Australia’s highest possible ambition taking account of the matters set out under the relevant legislation, is achievable, and is in Australia’s national and economic interest.
Consumer Energy Report Card, Energy Consumers Australia, December 2025
Tracks consumer attitudes on affordability, DER, electrification, and trust.
Authors & presenters
