CRC collaborative R&D speeds decarbonisation

The economic value of government investment in collaborative research has again been shown in an authoritative new report – this time in meeting Australia’s net zero ambitions.

The report, from consultants ACIL Allen, analysed 13 Cooperative Research Centres’ (CRCs) direct and indirect contributions to Australia’s decarbonisation efforts.

The Mapping and Quantification of CRCs’ Work on Decarbonisation report, found the CRCs delivered sustainable products and services, generated new knowledge, built industry capacity and engaged with the wider community to help Australia reach net zero by 2050.

The report reveals, while the CRCs address a range of areas, approximately 49 percent or $1.12 billion of their collective resources were focused on decarbonisation-related activities.

It forecasts that the contribution of this group of 13 CRCs over 2017-2032 will:

• Generate substantial economic activity; an increase of $4.8 billion in Australia’s GDP
• Raise economic welfare across Australia: an increase of $1.7 billion to Australia’s real economy as a result of industry-led decarbonisation research and innovation
• Create significant employment opportunities: 3,705 job years to 2032 are delivered
• And provide significant value for money: $5.80 generated in additional economic output (GDP) for every dollar of investment and in-kind contributions.

The SmartCrete CRC CEO Clare Tubolets said: “ACIL Allen’s report highlights the enormous value of collaborative research and demonstrates the expertise and capabilities CRC’s can bring to the table to drive innovation and support Australia’s decarbonisation ambitions.”

In 2021, SmartCrete CRC, in collaboration with Cement, Concrete and Aggregates Australia and the Cement Industry Federation, released the Decarbonisation Pathways for Australia’s Cement and Concrete sector report that identified eight pathways to reach net zero concrete by 2050.

Tubolets said: “Despite the Australian cement and concrete sector’s long history of reducing its CO2 emissions, the report highlighted that significant regulatory, structural and behavioural changes across the entire value chain were required to decarbonise cement and concrete.

“It has given SmartCrete CRC a blueprint for engaging with industry and setting up research partnerships that address those changes.”

To date SmartCreteCRC has invested in 34 research projects that follow the key recommendations of the report including delivering lower-carbon concrete mixes .

“Yet, more needs to be done. Numerous, commercial barriers exist that slow down the uptake of research and innovation, hindering the decarbonisation process.”

Picture: SmartCreteCRC