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Articles by Amanda Dunne
CSIRO’s FlexCost analyses the cost of accessing consumer energy resources
By Chris Dunstan , Amanda Dunne 3 June 2026 5 min read Recent volatility in global energy markets has underscored the importance of energy security, resilience and cost control. In Australia, that volatility has translated into higher prices for emissions-intensive coal and gas in the electricity market. While new renewable generation is essential to reducing costs over time, it is only part of the solution.
Star power: How energy efficient is your home?
Ever wondered how energy efficient your home is? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest sci-tech news updates. CSIRO's new Energy Rating Finder puts the power in your hands. It indicates the energy performance of your home's thermal shellthe walls, floors, roof, windows and insulation. These features influence how much energy it takes to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. It's like an appliance star label, but for your home.
Star power: How energy efficient is your home?
By Bronwyn Adams , Amanda Dunne 9 December 2025 3 min read Key points Check your home's energy-efficiency rating and compare it nationwide. Your rating is the first step towards improving comfort and cutting costs and emissions. Help improve the Energy Rating Finder by sharing your feedback. Ever wondered how energy efficient your home is? CSIRO's new Energy Rating Finder puts the power in your hands.
Meet Dr Dia Milani: From refugee to renewable energy innovator
By Ruth Dawkins , Amanda Dunne 23 October 2025 3 min read Key points Dr Dia Milani is advancing solar-powered carbon capture technologies to reduce CO₂ emissions. Dia was recognised with the prestigious Julius Career Award for his contributions to sustainable carbon solutions. He recently completed a collaborative placement at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado, United States. Dr Dia Milani’s journey has been one of resilience, curiosity and innovation.
Beam-down breakthrough: how sunlight is fuelling the future of green hydrogen
By Amanda Dunne 17 June 2025 4 min read Key points Industries such as steelmaking, iron, and alumina production are so energy intensive they are hard to electrify. CSIRO has demonstrated a new technology using solar power to produce green hydrogen that could power these industries and reduce emissions. It represents a major leap in solar thermal capability and opens new opportunities for high-temperature research and development.
Overcoming challenges old and new to improve energy efficiency in Australian homes
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Overcoming challenges old and new to improve energy efficiency in Australian homes
As Australia moves towards a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, our researchers are working to fill a big missing piece of the puzzle—existing houses and apartments. The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) provides clear standards for the construction of new dwellings. Now, Michael Ambrose and team are testing a method that would allow the scheme to be applied to existing homes built prior to the introduction of NatHERS.
Overcoming challenges old and new to improve energy efficiency in Australian homes
By Amanda Dunne , Bronwyn Adams 13 February 2025 4 min read Key points Two CSIRO studies are providing a more complete picture on how modern Australians use energy at home, opening the potential to shape policy, research and construction as we move towards net zero. Dr Pippa Soccio is investigating how Australians living in apartments use energy in a two-year study that will track indoor environmental conditions and behaviour.
Sealing the comfort of our new homes
By Amanda Dunne 14 August 2024 4 min read Key points Our research has found new Australian homes are 50 per cent more airtight than those tested in 2015. Increasing your home’s air tightness is a simple and affordable way to lower energy bills, increase comfort, and improve air quality. Poor air tightness can cause draughts, increasing energy bills by up to 20 per cent. Overly airtight homes, without controlled ventilation, can lead to condensation and mould.
Could falling particles of solar energy help us reach net zero?
By Fran Molloy and Amanda Dunne, CSIRO Despite Australia’s abundant solar energy resources, much of our electricity grid (about 67%) is still powered by fossil fuels. Climate change is hitting harder and decarbonisation is becoming more urgent. Meanwhile Australia’s sun-baked continent promises endless, net-zero energy—if only we can catch and store it. New developments in a reliable solar-based renewable energy technology, based on a centuries-old idea, could make this happen.
Pushing the boundaries of Concentrated Solar power technology could revolutionise the way we store and use solar energy
Breakthrough solar thermal research is using ceramic particles that act like a battery, storing solar energy as heat. Concentrated solar thermal (CST) with ceramic particles offer a reliable, renewable power source that can be used even when the sun isn’t shining. This technology could play a key role in reducing industrial emissions, which currently account for 20 per cent of Australia’s energy use. Wes Stein at our concentrating solar thermal research facility in Newcastle.
Could “falling particles” help us drop carbon to net zero?
By Fran Molloy , Amanda Dunne 11 October 2023 6 min read Key points Breakthrough solar thermal research is using ceramic particles that act like a battery, storing solar energy as heat. Concentrated solar thermal with ceramic particles offer a reliable, renewable power source that can be used even when the sun isn't shining. This new technology could play a key role in industrial decarbonisation, which accounts for 20 per cent of Australia's energy use.
Chasing the sun: gearing up for the 2023 World Solar Challenge
By Amanda Dunne 10 October 2023 6 min read Key points We’re the official scientific partners of the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge In October, global teams will race their self-built solar cars 3000 kilometres from Darwin to Adelaide. The event offers our scientists many opportunities to drive innovation and is a testing ground for new solar technologies. Australia is famous for abundant sunshine and epic road trips.
Changing gears: A guide to low emissions transport
Curious about decarbonizing your personal transport? Perhaps soaring fuel costs, new financial rebates and vehicle options has sparked your interest? Maybe it is your growing appetite for environmental action? If so, you're not alone. The Electric Vehicle Council found more than 50% of Australians would consider an Electric Vehicle (EV) as their next car. In fact, sales have tripled in the last 12 months. We're unpacking the latest low emissions transport options.
Changing gears: your guide to low emissions transport
Curious about decarbonising your personal transport? Perhaps soaring fuel costs, new financial rebates and vehicle options has sparked your interest? Maybe it is your growing appetite for environmental action? If so, you’re not alone. The Electric Vehicle Council found more than 50 per cent of Australians would consider an Electric Vehicle (EV) as their next car. In fact, sales have tripled in the last 12 months. We’re unpacking the latest low emissions transport options.
Patient and Family Perspectives of Paediatric Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures: A Systematic Review
To view the full text, please login as a subscribed user or purchase a subscription. Click here to view the full text on ScienceDirect. Fig. 1 Flow Diagram Summarising Search and Selection Process. Highlights •The concept of legitimacy and its relationship with PNES was a recurring theme. •Young people with PNES experienced histories of personal and familial distress. •PNES were found to have a significant impact on the lives of young people.
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