Australia’s energy outlook was on the agenda as key government, industry and research figures gathered in Brisbane for The University of Queensland (UQ) Energy Leaders Dinner.
Hosted by the Gas & Energy Transition Research Centre, the event connected Members of Parliament, Department Director-Generals, Chief Executive Officers and other leaders with researchers to foster working relationships that could help Australia overcome emerging challenges in the energy sector.
The night marked the first time the annual event has been held since the Centre for Natural Gas relaunched as the Gas & Energy Transition Research Centre.
Centre Director Professor David Close said the Dinner reinforced that across the sector there is enthusiasm for collaborative, impact-focused research.
“It was fantastic to once again welcome leaders from across the energy sector to continue the engagement and collaboration that has always been at the core of our Centre,” Professor Close said.
“The energy sector is transforming rapidly, and the public is paying more attention to it than ever before, so it was a great opportunity to share a snapshot of how our Centre and its research is evolving to meet those changing demands.”
“The Centre’s research spans critical themes relevant to the role of gas in the energy transition – decarbonisation, the environment, energy security, and communities and co-existence. Each of these is multi-disciplinary in nature and requires engagement with business and government for relevance and impact.”
“The conversations I had throughout the night reinforced my belief that the Centre has a key role to play, and that there is strong enthusiasm within government and industry to continue collaborating closely with researchers in a wide range of areas.”
“We will be working hard to maintain and build on the night’s energy and spirit of collaboration, and we look forward to bringing everyone together again next year and sharing our accomplishments from our first full year as the Gas & Energy Transition Research Centre.”
The success of Queensland’s coal seam gas industry was also a key theme, with Professor Close highlighting how bipartisan, evidence-based support for the sector helped secure regional jobs and development, royalties, and energy security.
The Honourable Scott Stewart MP, who addressed attendees on the night, said collaboration between community, industry, academia and government will be key to achieving net zero.
“I want to congratulate UQ on the recent launch of the Gas and Energy Transition Research Centre. It highlights the work that the team have done and continue to do to help Queensland be a world leader in LNG research and programs”
“I know the Centre’s focus is looking at the role of gas in the energy transition and that’s something as a government we are conscious of as well.”
“I think we can all agree that achieving net zero will require collaboration and forward-thinking from community, industry, academia and government.”
“The gas sector has been a cornerstone of Queensland’s economy for many years, generating jobs and prosperity throughout our State.”
“Our future sustainable economic prosperity will be underpinned by our natural resources and putting to work the great human and intellectual resources of our institutions and industry.”
“Gas is a critical enabler for Queensland’s economy and strong investment in the gas industry is vital to support our energy security and transformation in the years to come.”
