UNSW Sydney launches decarbonisation institute to support industry and government net zero plans

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AUSTRALIA’s University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) has launched a new institute dedicated to decarbonising the country’s emission-heavy industries, including cement and steel.

The Institute for Industrial Decarbonisation (IID) aims to offer “transdisciplinary” expertise to industry and government to help enable Australia’s green transition.

In May, the government launched its A$22.7bn (US$15.3bn) Future Made in Australia initiative which aims to reduce emissions from heavy industry as the country pursues its goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

UNSW’s role in Australia’s green future

The IID combines the expertise and research of the university’s seven institutes, which include The Global Water Institute and the Materials & Manufacturing Futures Institute, and more than 30 of its research centres.

Attila Brungs, UNSW Sydney’s president, said: “UNSW is launching the Institute for Industrial Decarbonisation to bring together transdisciplinary capability across faculties and specialties.

“Engineering, science, business, legal, planning, and design disciplines all have a contribution to make as we work with companies to chart viable pathways for positive societal impact, both locally and globally.”

The university’s recent achievements as part of the Institute include a A$6.3m funding boost from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) for the School of Chemical Engineering’s projects in low-carbon iron-making and renewable hydrogen production.

To facilitate the work of the IID, UNSW Sydney is working with regional and international organisations, including the United Nations, the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub, and the International Universities Climate Alliance, which the university also chairs.

UNSW Sydney said it is currently developing “more sustainable” ways to plan, design, and construct buildings and infrastructure.

David Eyre, CEO of the IID, said: “We have the raw materials – the copper, iron ore, and rare earth minerals – needed by a high-tech, low carbon economy, and we can produce renewable energy at industrial scale to power a green industry.

“But it will a take massive, well-coordinated effort across all sectors, including universities.”