Episode 5: Australia’s emissions reduction challenge in a post COVID-19 recovery

Energetics’ Dr Gordon Weiss in conversation with Dr Peter Holt, discuss the opportunity to support the decarbonisation of Australia’s economy. They consider both Australia’s track record of emissions reductions and where the opportunities lie for future abatement; from both the expansion of renewable energy to electric vehicles, electrification and the application of hydrogen technologies. 

Featuring: Dr Peter Holt, General Manager, Strategy and Policy and Dr Gordon Weiss, Associate

Note: The information and commentary in this podcast is of a general nature only and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular individual or business. Listeners should not rely upon the content in this podcast without first seeking advice from a professional.

Chapters

• 1:10 Q1. How has Australia been tracking against it's emission reductions target since the Paris Agreement signing (2016)?
• 2:36 Q2. How did Australia set it's Kyoto carbon emissions target in the first period (2000-2010)?
• 3:31 Q3. What were some of the drivers that helped Australia reach it's target in the first Kyoto period (2000-2010)?
• 4:37 Q4. Is there a case for Australia to use our offsets from the Kyoto period against our Paris Agreement targets?
• 5:49 Q5. Is Australia doing anything substantial to reduce our carbon emissions?
• 7:26 Q6. What are the ramifications of Australia's current performance on our global standing?
• 8:42 Q7. What happened after the Australian government repealed the carbon tax?
• 9:24 Q8. Has Australia's economic growth been decoupled from our emissions profile?
• 10:11 Q9. Does Australia need to do more to meet our 2030 Kyoto carbon emissions reduction target (third period)?
• 12:30 Q10. What are some of the challenges Australia needs to address, particular around the broader economy (e.g. mining and manufacturing sectors)?
• 15:28 Q11. What are some of the challenges in creating a hydrogen economy?
• 16:11 Q12. In terms of the commercialisation pathways, which ones are the attractive to Australian industries?
• 18:11 Q13. What should we be using hydrogen for?
• 19:37 Q14. Do we need an energy carrier to address the transportation issues?
• 21:54 Q15. What is your advice to government in regards to what their focus should be?