The technology fighting climate change

Summary

Australia aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, focusing on technological innovations to decarbonize its economy. Experts like Professor Thomas Maschmeyer highlight the role of rapidly decreasing solar energy costs and energy storage solutions, such as his own Gelion battery. Green hydrogen and sustainable steel production, driven by breakthroughs like Professor Veena Sahajwalla’s polymer injection technology, are pivotal in this transition. However, the process requires time, investment, and a supportive political framework, as Australia lags behind the OECD in research and development spending, which could hinder progress.

Takeaways

• 😀 Australia aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, joining global efforts for carbon neutrality.
• 😀 The challenge lies in finding effective technological solutions for decarbonization.
• 😀 Professor Thomas Maschmeyer emphasizes the crucial role of technology in achieving a decarbonized economy.
• 😀 The rapidly decreasing cost of solar energy has been a game-changer, with prices falling by 95% in the past 10 years.
• 😀 Maschmeyer’s battery creation, Gelion, uses zinc-bromide technology, making it suitable for harsh environments like agriculture and remote areas.
• 😀 Gelion batteries can support the production of green hydrogen, an emerging technology with potential to replace fossil fuels.
• 😀 Green hydrogen is being explored as an alternative fuel for electric vehicles, trucks, and as a replacement for coal in steel production.
• 😀 Professor Veena Sahajwalla's research focuses on using waste materials, like tyres and coffee, to replace coal in steel manufacturing.
• 😀 Sahajwalla's Polymer Injection Technology has been used to produce over 30 million tonnes of steel globally, demonstrating the potential of green steel.
• 😀 Both professors highlight that scientific advancements take time, with research, development, and verification being essential steps.
• 😀 Australia currently invests less in research and development as a percentage of GDP compared to the OECD average, hindering progress.
• 😀 The success of decarbonization efforts will depend on adequate investment and a supportive political framework to accelerate technological progress.

Q & A

What is Australia's goal for carbon emissions by 2050?

Australia aims to cut its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, joining other countries in the global effort to become carbon-neutral by that time.

What is Australia's main strategy for achieving net-zero emissions?

Australia's main strategy for achieving net-zero emissions is through the use of technology, which is seen as key to enabling a decarbonized economy.

What role does technology play in Australia's carbon-neutral goals?

Technology is expected to provide the solutions necessary for achieving a carbon-neutral economy, as no single solution is seen as a 'silver bullet' for the challenge.

How has the price of solar energy impacted the drive for clean energy?

The price of solar energy has dropped by 95% over a decade, which has made it a key enabler for other clean energy technologies, such as energy storage and green hydrogen.

What is Gelion, and how does it contribute to clean energy?

Gelion is a battery technology created by Professor Thomas Maschmeyer, which uses a zinc-bromide composition that makes it suitable for harsh environments like agriculture or remote communities. It also supports green hydrogen generation.

What is green hydrogen, and where can it be used?

Green hydrogen is a clean energy source that can replace coal in industries such as steel manufacturing. It is generated through processes like electrolysis powered by solar energy.

How is Professor Veena Sahajwalla contributing to green manufacturing?

Professor Veena Sahajwalla is working on green steel technologies that use waste materials, like old tyres and even waste coffee, in the production of steel, reducing reliance on coal and coke.

What is Polymer Injection Technology, and how does it help in steel production?

Polymer Injection Technology is a process developed by Professor Sahajwalla that extracts hydrogen and solid carbon from old tyres, enabling the production of more than 30 million tonnes of steel globally.

What is the significance of the Australian science behind these technologies?

Australian science plays a crucial role in developing innovative solutions for green manufacturing, enabling global progress in reducing emissions and recycling materials in sustainable ways.

What challenges does Australia face in advancing these technologies?

Australia faces challenges such as the need for more investment in research and development, as the country currently spends less on R&D compared to the OECD average. Additionally, a supportive political framework is necessary to accelerate progress.