UNSW Sydney is convening energy leaders, researchers, and policymakers this week for the 2025 State of Energy Research Conference, aiming to address urgent challenges and advance Australia’s transition to net zero emissions.
Held from 14 to 16 July at the university’s Kensington campus, the event comes at a critical moment as the nation grapples with rising energy bills, slow deployment of clean technologies, and a need for more coordinated action in reaching its 2050 net-zero target.
The conference, hosted by UNSW in collaboration with the Energy Research Institutes Council for Australia (ERICA), brings together experts to explore reforms in energy markets, institutional frameworks, and the large-scale rollout of technologies like hydrogen, solar, home batteries, smart grids and energy storage.
“The Conference is an opportunity at this crucial nexus to share the latest research, build connections across sectors and align efforts for real impact,” said Dani Alexander, CEO of the UNSW Energy Institute and Chair of ERICA.
“UNSW is proud to host the conversation and the collaboration that will help accelerate solutions at the scale and speed the transition demands.”
Keynote speakers include Chair of the Climate Change Authority and former NSW Treasurer, Matt Kean, who will join other energy leaders in addressing barriers and enablers to climate resilience and clean energy adoption.
Despite a legislated net-zero target, experts say Australia still lacks several critical components to reach its goals – among them, comprehensive policy frameworks, technology deployment at scale, and sustained public engagement.
According to the university, the event highlights UNSW Sydney’s commitment to advancing clean energy innovation and fostering national dialogue on a coordinated path to decarbonisation.
