Future Tense Are we kidding ourselves about decarbonisation?
Sep 25, 2025
Guest
Professor Matthew Hill
Guest
Adjunct Associate Professor Madoc Sheehan
Guest
Alison Reeve
Guest
Professor Martin Brueckner
Professor Martin Brueckner critiques the misconception that Australia is swiftly decarbonizing, emphasizing rising emissions from fossil fuel exports. Alison Reeve discusses the challenges facing green hydrogen development, including investment hesitance and competing technologies. Madoc Sheehan highlights crucial resource constraints and water needs for hydrogen production. Meanwhile, Professor Matthew Hill presents innovative membrane technologies for hydrogen storage, paving the way for potentially safer and cost-effective transport solutions.
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Episode notes
Decarbonisation Can Be A Mirage
- Renewable uptake creates a false sense of national decarbonisation because indirect emissions keep rising.
- Martin Brueckner warns the visible progress is negated by growing consumption and energy demand from new technologies.
New Energy Adds Rather Than Replaces
- New energy sources tend to add to total energy use rather than replace older fuels.
- Brueckner notes renewables and hydrogen are added while coal and oil use continue or expand.
Export Emissions Are An Ethical Choice
- Australia can legally exclude scope 3 emissions but faces an ethical choice about export-related emissions.
- Brueckner argues Australia has responsibility to consider global decarbonisation beyond accounting rules.