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Net Zero Transition

Net Zero Transition

Understand how Australia’s transition to net zero can be accelerated through coordinated research, innovation and evidence-informed policy. Drawing on expertise across energy, engineering, environmental science, economics, law and the social sciences, this work examines the technological, social and institutional transformations required to deliver a resilient, equitable and globally competitive low-emissions future.

ACOLA’s Net Zero Transition work brings together interdisciplinary research and cross-sector expertise to support Australia’s shift to a low-emissions economy. Here you’ll find national research plans, reports, policy insights and collaborative initiatives that identify the priorities, opportunities and challenges shaping Australia’s transition to 2030, 2035 and 2050.

Vulnerability and Australia’s Energy Transition

While much attention has been given to technologies and emissions targets, far less has focused on a critical question: who is most vulnerable to the impacts of the transition, and why?

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Related Reports

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Examining JUST Energy Metrics: Exploring Australian research opportunities

While the nation pushes toward ambitious 2030 energy targets, one challenge remains largely unresolved: how do we measure whether the transition is fair?

Australia’s Funding of Energy Research – Quantum and Comparison Report

Transitioning to a low-carbon energy system is one of humanity’s most pressing, and amongst the greatest, challenges in modern times. The scale and complexity requires unprecedented investment in new research to develop and scale technologies, and to support and enable the significant cultural and societal shift needed.

Energy Research Translation Report

Australia’s transition to net zero will depend not only on strong research capability, but on the ability to translate research into real-world impact. This report examines how knowledge generated by researchers can move effectively into policy, industry innovation, investment decisions and societal change.

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Social Engagement Dynamics Reports

The social engagement dynamics research theme encompasses the policy and regulatory settings that will be required for the transition, how people (individuals, communities, regions etc) will be engaged, and how principles of equity, justice and fairness throughout the course of the transition will be developed and applied.

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Related Submissions

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16 April 2025

ACOLA AETRP response to Strategic Examination of R&D Review

ACOLA steering committee for the Australian Energy Transition Research Plan (AETRP) have been analysing data on Australian government R&D spending on energy.

24 August 2020

2020-2021 Pre-Budget submission

Over the past year, Australia has faced significant challenges that have disrupted our social and economic wellbeing. In considering the 2020-21 Federal Budget, the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) and our members urge the Australian Government to adopt a strategic approach to supporting Australia’s research sector that maintains Australia’s strong performance in research outcomes.

31 May 2019

Data61 Discussion Paper – AI: Australia’s Ethical Framework

While AI is likely to cause short- to medium-term disruption, it may also generate long-term growth in areas such as health, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and manufacturing.

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Related News & Media

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11 March 2026

Accelerate 2035: Resetting Australia’s Research Priorities for a Human-Centred Energy Transition

Australia’s new 2035 emission target exposes gaps in Australia’s energy transition R&D system.

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1 December 2025

New ACOLA Reports Chart Path to a Fair and Inclusive Energy Transition

11 December 2024

Board Addresses New Zealand Marsden Fund Cuts

Statement on funding cuts to New Zealand Marsden Fund – Humanities and Social Science Research

20 December 2023

Supporting Australia’s Energy Transition – New Panel of Experts

With the energy transition well underway, it is pleasing to see increased and substantive actions by governments, industry and individuals across Australia. But there is still much uncertainty, including in our research needs, from critical technologies to social and cultural change.

17 June 2021

An urgent shift is needed on energy transition research

Australia’s transition to a net-zero energy system is a massive and complex task: requiring interdisciplinary solutions addressing Australia’s specific needs, to achieve this goal.

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Net Zero Transition

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