{"id":145285,"date":"2026-04-22T11:58:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T03:58:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/research\/?post_type=hdr-r-projects&p=145285"},"modified":"2026-04-22T12:22:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T04:22:06","slug":"scaling-up-the-contribution-from-forest-residues-to-the-clean-energy-transition","status":"publish","type":"hdr-r-projects","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/research\/hdr-r-projects\/scaling-up-the-contribution-from-forest-residues-to-the-clean-energy-transition\/","title":{"rendered":"Scaling up the contribution from forest residues to the clean energy transition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Australian Government\u2019s commitment to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 necessitates large scale decarbonisation of heavy industry, supported by rapid scaling up of renewable energy capacity to meet industry heat and power requirements. This underlines the importance of increasing output from all renewable energy sectors. Woody biomass including forest residues represents the third largest source of renewable energy behind solar PV and wind in Australia, accounting for around 15% of renewable energy consumption in 2023-24. With forestry operations generating over 6.5M tonnes of residues annually, there is scope to expand this contribution as part of the clean energy transition. Forest-based biofuels enable productive use of a wide range of forest residues, with attendant environmental benefits and socio-economic opportunities. However, forest residues are commonly the least favoured type of biofuel amongst the public, representing a significant barrier to expansion of this sector. International research has indicated that opinions regarding the processing of forest residues reflect complex drivers including awareness of forest residue characteristics and uses, exposure to differing information sources, the type, location and scale of any proposed processing facilities and views on the carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability of converting woody biomass to a source of energy. These may be exacerbated by concerns over perceived links between forest residue processing and deforestation, particularly with regards to native forests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aim<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This PhD research will identify the drivers, characteristics and diversity of public opinion in Australia regarding the use of forest residues for energy to support sector growth<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Objectives <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. 1) Review the literature on public perceptions of forest residue processing for energy and other purposes and the social, economic and environmental implications of these activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. 2) Carry out a nationwide representative survey of the Australian public to identify the drivers of opinions relating to processing of residues from native forests and plantations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. 3) Conduct a series of focus groups to identify policies for forest residue use which reflect public opinions and forest residue processing growth scenarios<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Significance <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The project will directly contribute towards informed decision-making regarding the development of forest residues as biofuels within industry and government at the national level. Development of this sector has key implications for achieving a just and equitable energy transition, progress towards net zero, national energy security and opportunities for economic diversification in rural and regional Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ideal Candidate <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The ideal candidate will have a Masters qualification in relevant areas such as renewable energy, energy policy or natural resource management and meet the entry requirements for a Higher degree by research<\/a> program. Skills and experience in qualitative and quantitative techniques of data collection and analysis are desirable. Early career industry professionals are also strongly encouraged to apply. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This project is open to domestic applicants only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Applications close 15th December 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Scholarship <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This scholarship is funded through the Heavy Industries Low Carbon Transition Co-operative Research Centre (www.hiltcrc.com.au<\/a>) which is a consortium of private and public sector organisations and leading universities in Australia and overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This scholarship includes a living stipend of $38440 p.a. pro rata indexed, based on full-time studies, for up to a maximum of 3.5 years<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Enquiries <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For enquires please contact Dr Julian Clifton at julian.clifton@curtin.edu.au<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To formally apply please submit an Expression of Interest<\/strong><\/a> to Dr Julian Clifton<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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