Geoscience Australia will kick off a three-day virtual showcase today that is set to highlight the crucial role of Australian Government science in unlocking our low-emissions future. 

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King said she was thrilled to announce Geoscience Australia’s inaugural Exploring for the Future 2022 showcase. 

“This public showcase will bring together scientists, industry and invested communities to reflect on the success of the program so far and to discuss how Australia’s resources will support a more sustainable Australia,” Minister King said.

“Over the next three days, Geoscience Australia’s senior leaders and geoscientists will highlight to participants the exciting outcomes arising from the program and the activities it has planned for the future.

“The showcase will feature the release of major new work that supports Australia’s transition to net zero, such as bolstering Australia’s developing hydrogen industry, investigating green steel potential and turbocharging the essential hunt for vital critical minerals.

“Geoscience Australia’s leading experts will shine a spotlight on Australia’s potential for the cost-effective large-scale storage of hydrogen in underground salt caverns, ensuring we remain at the forefront of this growing new industry.

“Green steel, which is made using renewable energy, will also be a hot topic, with the release of economic modelling that highlights the opportunities Australia has for low-emissions exports and leading the charge globally with our abundant endowment of resources. 

“Geoscience Australia will also be releasing results that further unlock the nation’s critical mineral potential and provide us with an opportunity to be central to the global energy transition.

“As global circumstances continue to emphasise the need to harness our resources, especially those that support a transition to lower emissions, understanding our geology has never been so important.

“Australia is proving itself to be a key global player in providing practical solutions to lowering emissions here and in our region, and I am thrilled to see science leading the way forward. 

"The precompetitive information being obtained through this Australian Government initiative, in collaboration with state and university partners, is providing communities, governments, and industry with confidence to make informed decisions on the management of our mineral, energy and groundwater resources."

The 2022 Showcase is open to the public at no cost and includes open question and answer sessions where people can discuss topics of interest and engage directly with Geoscience Australia’s leading scientists.

The showcase runs until 10 August. The program and registration links are at ga.gov.au/showcase.

Media contact: Minister King's office 02 6277 7930