The University of Western Australia's Centre for Energy is this week hosting two significant events that could reshape Australia's approach to climate action and position Western Australia as a global leader in sustainable biofuel production.

This Friday 1 November, leading economist Professor Ross Garnaut AC will launch his latest book, Let's Tax Carbon (And Other Ideas for a Better Australia) at The University Club of Western Australia, followed by a half-day symposium exploring the transformation of sustainable biomass into biofuels and other vital products.

Presented by the Oil Mallee Association in collaboration with UWA’s Centre for Energy and supported by Murdoch University, Professor Garnaut will discuss how sustainable biomass can replace products currently derived from traditional oil and gas industries, as part of the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The symposium, Pathway to BioResourcing, will bring together leading experts to discuss Western Australia's potential to become a powerhouse in biomass conversion.

Speakers will include Director of the Centre for Energy Professor Dongke Zhang, who will showcase the new ARC National Research Hub for Value Added Processing of Underutilised Carbon Waste. 

Professor Zhang said it followed the successful Bioenergy Australia national Low Carbon Liquid Fuels Summit in Perth and represented a crucial step forward in the state's clean energy journey.

“This symposium marks the beginning of a crucial conversation about utilising biomass as an alternative to carbon-intensive products,” Professor Zhang said.

“International trade barriers based on carbon emissions are emerging which will require a combination of offsets and low carbon inputs to secure long-term access to markets. 

“As highlighted at the Bioenergy Australia Summit, WA has the special opportunity to become a super power in this field of biomass to bioenergy and other bioproducts.”

Professor Richard Harper from Murdoch University will address WA’s extensive harvestable biomass potential and necessary policy frameworks.

The book launch will be held at 11am at the UWA Club and is free to attend. The symposium follows at 12.30pm, including a light lunch, and continues until 5pm. Symposium tickets cost $39 and registration is required for both events.

For more information and to register, see here for the book launch and here for the symposium.