The Australian Government is investing more than $4 million in new research to help lower methane emissions from resources projects and to help Australia achieve net zero by 2050.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King has announced two research grants, to the CSIRO and to the University of Newcastle, for projects which will trial new technology that will tackle methane emissions from coal mines.

The grants, $2.05 million for the CSIRO and $2.3 million for the University of Newcastle, are from the Resources Methane Abatement Fund and will be for projects that tackle ventilation air methane.

“Reducing methane emissions from the resources sector will be an important part of the global transition to net zero, as well as Australia’s transition,” Minister King said.

“When commercially viable, these two projects will not only help to lower methane emissions from coal projects, but also make mining safer for those who work underground.

“The new grants also support Australia’s commitments to the Global Methane Pledge, and the government’s Safeguard Mechanism.”

The Methane Abatement Fund supports research organisations to undertake development, prototype verification and validation, and demonstration level projects.