MERE hosts 2025 Mitsubishi Development Sustainability Lecture

The UNSW School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering (MERE) hosted the 2025 Mitsubishi Development Sustainability Lecture, welcoming Professor Robert Clark AO to deliver a compelling address on Australia’s energy and emissions in a global context.

One of Australia’s most respected scientists and policy advisers, Professor Clark brought decades of experience across defence, academia and government to a topic that sits at the centre of national and global debate: how countries like Australia balance decarbonisation, energy security and economic responsibility in a rapidly changing world.

Opening the lecture, Professor Ismet Canbulat, Head of the School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering, emphasised the role of universities and industry in addressing complex energy and emissions challenges through education, research and informed public dialogue.

Australia’s energy role beyond its borders

Professor Clark framed Australia’s energy story well beyond domestic consumption, focusing instead on the country’s position as a major global energy exporter and the implications this carries for emissions, energy equity and security worldwide.

Drawing on national and international data, he explored Australia’s emissions profile across electricity, transport, agriculture and industry, alongside the nation’s progress in renewable electricity generation. While acknowledging advances in decarbonising the power sector, Professor Clark highlighted the scale of the challenge that remains, particularly as global energy demand continues to grow.

“Energy transition is not occurring in isolation,” Professor Clark noted. “It is shaped by geopolitics, economics, security and the realities of global energy inequality.”

A central theme of the lecture highlighted the balance between Australia’s domestic emissions reductions efforts and its ongoing role as a supplier of coal, gas and uranium to international markets. Professor Clark suggested that meaningful progress on emissions is best considered from a global perspective, acknowledging the decarbonisation pathways vary considerably across countries.

Energy security in a changing system

Beyond emissions, Professor Clark addressed energy security as a defining issue of the transition. He examined Australia’s reliance on imported liquid fuels, the vulnerability of supply chains, and the strategic importance of resilient energy systems as electrification and renewable technologies expand.

He also reflected on the growing role of large-scale storage, grid stability and long-term infrastructure planning, stressing that technical solutions must be supported by policy certainty and sustained investment.

Engaging the next generation

Throughout the lecture, Professor Clark encouraged students and early-career engineers to think critically about the responsibilities they will inherit. He emphasised the need for evidence-based decision-making, long-term thinking and the ability to work across disciplines as energy systems become more complex and interconnected.

The lecture attracted strong interest from students, staff, alumni and industry, highlighting the value of informed, open discussion on the future of energy and emissions policy.

The Mitsubishi Development Sustainability Lecture is an annual event hosted by the UNSW School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering, supporting ongoing engagement with industry and leadership in sustainability education.

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