Led by the Curtin Institute for Energy Transition and the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP), this work integrates ecological, economic, social, and cultural perspectives. From biocement to batteries, mining to modular living, Curtin is shaping the future of sustainable energy, engineering and environment.
Curtin’s role in energy transition
The Curtin Institute for Energy Transition is bringing together scientists, engineers, philosophers, creative workers and students to help achieve a just energy transition.
Our strengths
Energy economics
The work of the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC) spans the dynamics of renewable and non-renewable energy production and consumption, the impacts of commodity price volatility, and the role of governance, innovation, and global market forces in driving sustainable transitions.
BCEC’s 2026 report Western Australia’s Resources Sector in Transition: Securing long term value in a changing world highlighted how Western Australia’s long-standing reliance on iron ore is being tested by shifting global trends, emphasising the need to capitalise on demand for critical minerals, renewables and lower-emissions industrial products.
Hydrogen storage
Curtin’s Hydrogen Storage Research Group is contributing to the global effort of hydrogen energy storage, with research into hydrogen storage materials for export, transport, or stationary energy storage; thermal batteries using thermochemical energy storage; and solid-state electrochemical batteries. In another major focus area, materials scientists are developing hybrid hydrocarbon-carbon fuel cells for long-life power generation.
In 2024, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency awarded a $5 million grant to the group, in support of its project ‘Hydrogen export using a powder’, with a further $2.5 million from industry partner Velox Energy Materials and $1 million from Curtin.
The project includes a new pilot facility built in Perth to test a new method of hydrogen production and transportation that has the potential to transform Australia’s hydrogen exports.
Healing Country
From restoring bushland affected by urbanisation and vegetation clearing to protecting culturally significant species, Curtin’s Indigenous-led research is shaping culturally grounded responses to many environmental challenges.
The Curtin-based ARC Training Centre for Healing Country is a key component in our research in this area. Led by Professor Stephen van Leeuwen, a Wadandi Noongar leader and distinguished botanical ecologist, the centre undertakes research in three key areas: restoration, socioeconomics and ecohealth.
Climate change
The Curtin Institute for Energy Transition (CIET) is dedicated to combatting the most pressing challenge of our time: climate change.
The climate crisis affects every element of our lives and so the CIET champions interdisciplinary collaboration to effectively address this issue. Our Institute comprises researchers from a diverse range of backgrounds, providing the skills, knowledge and thought leadership to safely and fairly transition to a clean energy future. We offer a uniquely Western Australian perspective but connect with Curtin Global Campuses and collaborators worldwide to ideate solutions and envision a new world.
Crop and disease management
The Centre for Crop and Disease Management is providing Australian farmers with solutions to tackle diseases of wheat, barley, canola and pulses. A co-supported initiative with the Grains Research and Development Corporation, the centre is reducing the economic impact of crop disease by preventing fungicide resistance, improving farming systems, and building disease resistance through breeding.
Affordable housing
We’re exploring how the housing industry and government policy-makers can build a sustainable future where all Australians are appropriately housed.
Researchers from the Faculty of Business and Law, together with the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre and the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, are conducting policy-informing research that is increasing affordable housing supply for low-income earners, housing options for young and old Australians, and secure housing options in the private rental market.
Environmental DNA
Curtin’s eDNA Frontiers team applies innovative environmental DNA techniques to explore a vast array of biodiversity, helping to catalogue and protect ecosystems and the species within them.
eDNA monitoring offers a new approach for assessing biodiversity. Environmental samples can be collected and tested without the need to morphologically identify individual organisms or disturb the environment. The data produced can provide a profile of all taxonomic groups or particular taxa of interest living in the environment being surveyed. eDNA monitoring can also aid in detecting cryptic, low abundance and endangered species often not recorded with traditional monitoring surveys.
eDNA surveys over time can be useful in tracking temporal changes within a particular area, differences in biodiversity between multiple areas, range shifts of particular species, and many other applications.
City transformations
At the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP), we’re developing business models and policies that will help cities reduce urban sprawl, decarbonise development and emphasise biophilic urbanism. Our experts have been involved in several large-scale transformation projects, including Climate-KIC’s mission to create 100 climate-neutral cities by 2030.
New technologies are presenting exciting advancements. We are identifying how trackless tram networks can unlock urban development and help urban centres become more people oriented. We are also using AI and Blockchain to improve the flow of urban traffic by predicting traffic management and discouraging congestion in busy areas.
Where we work
Curtin Institute for Energy Transition
We bring together researchers from backgrounds including engineering, earth sciences, humanities, economics, arts and design dedicated to bringing about the energy transition.
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CUSP
CUSP’s innovative and impactful approach to implementing research through demonstrations and partnerships with businesses, governments, and communities sets it apart.
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Hydrogen Storage Research Group
We undertake experimental research into a vast array of energy storage systems including hydrogen storage for export, thermal batteries and solid-state electrochemical batteries.
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eDNA Frontiers
eDNA Frontiers has deep expertise and unique methodology in isolating and characterising environmental DNA to address a variety of biological questions.
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Centre for Crop and Disease Management
CCDM research is providing farmers with long term solutions for managing crops and major pathogens.
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Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre
The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre is an independent economic and social research organisation.
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Partner with us
By partnering with Curtin, you’ll gain access to a network of experts and specialised facilities that can help your business become more efficient, sustainable and profitable. There are also opportunities for investment, licensing, mentoring and employment.
Reach out to Curtin’s Research Partnerships Team using the form below.
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