Episode 16: Energy Talks. "ON TRACK TO NET ZERO?"

Thursday 29 January 2026

Introducing Associate Professor Simon Smart and Professor Belinda Wade from The University of Queensland.

Australia’s climate transition is moving forward, but are we actually on track to reach net zero by 2050?

In this episode of Energy Talks, Associate Professor Simon Smart and Professor Belinda Wade, both members of the Net Zero Australia Steering Committee, unpack the project’s latest findings including updated modelling of Australia's decarbonisation pathways and the team's inaugural Progress Tracker.

Together, they explore what the modelling really says about renewable build rates, firming, carbon removals, infrastructure requirements and the scale of investment ahead. Just as importantly, they examine the non-technical challenges now shaping Australia’s transition: approvals bottlenecks, workforce capacity, community trust and the social licence needed to deliver projects at speed.

With Queensland set to play a central role in the energy transition, this conversation highlights what’s working, where momentum is slowing, and what it will take to align ambition with delivery.

Belinda and Simon are part of the wider Net Zero Australia team. The Net Zero Australia reports reflect the work of a large interdisciplinary project team. For full authorship and attribution, please refer to the reports available at: https://www.netzeroaustralia.net.au/

If you want clear, evidence-based insights into Australia’s net zero journey, this episode is essential listening.

The Queensland Energy Club welcomes Associate Professor Simon Smart and Professor Belinda Wade as our guest speakers for Episode 16 of ‘Energy Talks’.