Mapping a rapid nature-positive renewable energy transition
MBI work shows that Australia can meet Net Zero targets without destroying biodiversity. These tools help identify environmental risks early, saving the energy sector time and money while supporting national and international commitments to halt human-induced extinctions.
Research Cluster
Research partners
Melbourne Energy Institute, Australian Conservation Foundation
Project team
Dr Andrew Rogers, Dr Yimin Zhang, Dr Andrew Pascale (University of Queensland), Dr Rachel Morgain, Professor James E.M. Watson (University of Queensland), Dr Michelle Ward (Griffith University), Dr Chris Greig (Princeton University), Professor Michael Brear, Professor Brendan Wintle
Contact
Project summary
In partnership with the Melbourne Energy Institute and Australian Conservation Foundation, Melbourne Biodiversity Institute researchers have been working to bring ecological, spatial and cultural data sets together with energy infrastructure planning models together, to design a renewable energy network that avoids damage to nature and cultural values. Through our work, we have demonstrated that it is possible to build the renewable energy infrastructure necessary to meet Net Zero targets without destroying nature.
The goals of our work
The tool is designed to measure the potential impact of proposed projects on the cultural and ecological systems of their prospective locations to empower better strategic decision making. For example, projects on degraded, ex-agricultural land may have limited impacts on biodiversity compared to areas with migratory routes of birds and bats.
What are we interested in
These tools provide quality data that can save the energy sector precious time and money by identifying potential risks early which reduces delays. This strengthens Australia’s ability to meet its current Net Zero commitments as well as our international commitment to halting human induced extinctions. It also saves Australia the much longer-term costs attempting to reverse ecosystem destruction.
Outcomes/Activity
MBI initially created these models mapping the entire East Coast in Queensland. With the model proved, our researchers have now expanded the reach of the tools to be able to inform policy and planning nationally. The results have been used in University of Melbourne’s contribution to the design of Net Zero Australia 2; with biodiversity risk analysis being a large part of the new program. Net Zero Australia 2 has already attracted over $2million in promised support.