Ruth Dawkins
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Articles by Ruth Dawkins
The hidden gatekeeper: how water in tiny rock pores shapes underground energy storage
By Ruth Dawkins 13 November 2026 5 min read Key points Advanced X-Ray imaging reveals that water in tiny rock pores acts as a gatekeeper, separating gas pockets before sudden ‘cascade’ events cause rapid mixing. The new findings could lead to more accurate predictions on the purity and energy recovery of hydrogen stored in depleted gas fields.
GenCost at Eight: how a decade of disruption reshaped the future of Australia’s energy system
GenCost began as a straightforward research exercise: a way to track how electricity generation and storage technologies were changing, and what those shifts meant for Australia’s future energy system. When the first CSIRO-led cost projections were released in 2017, the work was grounded in stable global conditions and predictable technological trends. Paul Graham is CSIRO’s Chief Energy Economist and GenCost lead, and he remembers those early days clearly.
GenCost at Eight: how a decade of disruption reshaped the future of Australia’s energy system
GenCost began as a straightforward research exercise: a way to track how electricity generation and storage technologies were changing, and what those shifts meant for Australia’s future energy system. When the first CSIRO-led cost projections were released in 2017, the work was grounded in stable global conditions and predictable technological trends. Paul Graham is CSIRO’s Chief Energy Economist and GenCost lead, and he remembers those early days clearly.
GenCost at Eight: how a decade of disruption reshaped the future of Australia’s energy system
By Ruth Dawkins 15 July 2026 8 min read GenCost began as a straightforward research exercise: a way to track how electricity generation and storage technologies were changing, and what those shifts meant for Australia’s future energy system. When the first CSIRO-led cost projections were released in 2017, the work was grounded in stable global conditions and predictable technological trends. Paul Graham is CSIRO’s Chief Energy Economist and GenCost lead, and he remembers those early days clearly.
Energy resilience: designing sovereign fuels for a low carbon future
By Ruth Dawkins , Nikolai Kinaev 8 July 2026 8 min read Key points Geopolitical volatility in Middle Eastern oil and gas markets continues to push importing nations to diversify liquid fuel sources and confirm energy security as a long-term climate goal and immediate sovereign necessity. No single solution can replace fossil fuels; resilient supply chains require multiple low‑carbon fuel pathways tailored to different industrial and transport uses.
Energy resilience: Australia’s alternative fuel opportunities
By Ruth Dawkins 10 March 2026 5 min read Key points Liquid fuels account for over half of the final energy that Australians use and represent around 30 per cent of our emissions. We import 50+ billion litres of refined petroleum products annually, 60 per cent of which is diesel. Australia uses more energy from diesel alone than from electricity. Domestic production meets about 20 per cent of our liquid fuel demand.
Home is where the energy modelling heart is
By Ruth Dawkins , Anthony Wright 13 November 2025 7 min read Key points Australia’s 11.8 million homes account for a quarter of our nation’s electricity use and 10 percent of our total carbon emissions CSIRO’s housing research drives energy efficiency, comfort and sustainability across 90 percent of new Australian homes. Our residential energy modelling tools have delivered $1.72 billion in benefits.
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.
Mine site rehabilitation: the algae advantage
Algae might seem an unlikely candidate to help transform Australia’s post-mining landscapes, but a new CSIRO-led project suggests these tiny aquatic organisms could provide sustainable futures for mine sites, surrounding ecosystems, and local communities.
Meet the researcher: Dr Gabrielle Kuiper
By Ruth Dawkins 9 September 2025 8 min read Key points Dr Gabrielle Kuiper is one of Australia’s leading thinkers on distributed energy resources (DER) – rooftop solar, batteries, smart appliances and electric vehicles. At CSIRO, Dr Kuiper’s work is not just domestic. She is leading the organisation’s work on DER in Southeast Asia. Dr Kuiper immerses in the complexities of energy systems and ‘recharges’ by heading into nature.
Setting the standard: Science helps deep-sea mining decision-makers assess environmental risks and viability
By Ruth Dawkins 3 July 2025 5 min read Key points The deep sea is one of Earth’s most fragile and least understood environments. A group of scientists led by CSIRO has created science-based tools and frameworks to help guide precautionary and informed decisions about mining. The research is independent, transparent and designed to support strong environmental protection.
Mine site rehabilitation: the algae advantage
By Ruth Dawkins 13 June 2025 5 min read Key points Desktop study reveals algal technologies have the potential to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of mining. Algae can be used in mine wastewater treatment, mine site revegetation and as a source of biomass for new industries. Now seeking partners to develop these technologies for mine-specific applications.
Australia’s first manufacturing facility fully powered by renewable energy
By Scott Walker , Ruth Dawkins 29 October 2024 4 min read Key points We're working as the Mars Petcare Wodonga facility's renewable heat technology partner. The facility will switch to 100 per cent renewable power solution via a mix of solar and thermal energy technologies and hydrogen. This is a first in Australia for a large steam-based food manufacturing site. After a multi-year collaboration with us, Mars has announced a renewable energy milestone.
Unlocking the power of Australia’s rare earth elements
By Ruth Dawkins 18 October 2024 8 min read Key points Global demand for rare earth elements (REE) nearly doubled between 2015 and 2023, driven by clean energy technologies. Australia holds at least four per cent of the world's rare earth element reserves, positioning it well for market growth. The Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub aims to enhance understanding and processing of lower grade REE deposits. Demand for rare earth elements (REE) is soaring.
Developing nature-based solutions to the climate challenge
By Ruth Dawkins 9 September 2024 5 min read Key points Protecting nature and biodiversity helps tackle climate change – and safeguard our economy. Private sector organisations have a big role to play in minimising impacts to our environment. Our work in Natural Capital Accounting is giving businesses and governments the tools they need. Nature plays a crucial role in helping us respond to climate change. It can sequester carbon and regulate temperatures. It helps control flooding and erosion.
Powering through to clean electricity
By Scott Walker , Ruth Dawkins 29 August 2024 5 min read Key points The electricity sector provides the nearest term pathway to decarbonisation for Australia. The challenge is to close the technical gaps between the higher amount of renewable energy available to the lower amount of renewable energy used in the electricity grid.
In their element: celebrating our scientists and their mineral namesakes
By Ruth Dawkins 16 August 2024 6 min read Key points Research Scientist Colin MacRae is our latest science rockstar to have a mineral named in his honour. The process to name a new mineral is complicated and involves many steps, including analysis of its crystal structure and chemistry, and measuring its optical and spectroscopic properties. Ongoing innovations in analysis of mineral structure could help us process other minerals and can tell us how to remove and recover them.
Emission possible: Our approach to carbon management
By Ruth Dawkins 9 July 2024 5 min read Key points Carbon management technologies of scale and urgency are crucial for a low emission future. The diversity of our research and experience provides a unique, complementary approach to different carbon management solutions. Bringing people together is critical – the energy transition and climate change is impacting everyone and solutions require a level of collaboration not seen before.
Recycling lithium-ion batteries for a brighter tomorrow
By Thomas Ruether , Ruth Dawkins 23 May 2024 6 min read Key points Australia's use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is soaring, raising questions about managing the growing waste stream. Our researchers are testing the dry shedding of used LIBs, using a novel process to recover valuable materials. Insights from the pilot will be important for improving global battery recycling practices as we transition to net zero emissions by 2050. Australia’s use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is soaring.
A concrete step forward: Australia's ambitious plan to cut cement and lime emissions
It's tough for the cement and lime business to make its important products without generating high emissions. So, the industry is investing in research and innovative pathways to reduce its hard-to-abate emissions. To help, we've brought our expertise to a new roadmap. It sets out the opportunities and challenges for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies to reduce the industry's emissions in Australia. It also determined that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
A concrete step forward: Australia's ambitious plan to cut cement and lime emissions
By Ruth Dawkins , Scott Walker 30 November 2023 5 min read Key points Cement is the most used man-made material in the world but it can’t be produced without creating “process emissions”. If the global cement industry were a country, it would be the fourth largest national emitter in the world. A new roadmap tackles Australia's specific challenges in decarbonising its vital but emission-heavy cement and lime industry.
Banking on lowering emissions for Australian industries
By Ruth Dawkins 30 November 2023 5 min read Key points The time is now for Australia to speed up decarbonisation. Our new report sets out pathways for energy, transport, building, and heavy industry. Electricity sector has the greatest opportunity to accelerate decarbonisation in the 2020s, which could see emissions decline by 83 per cent by 2030. Our latest report is available for business and industry to drive action on rapid emissions reduction.
Hubs could help pave the net zero way for Western Australia
By Ruth Dawkins 17 November 2023 4 min read Key points Concentrating CCUS infrastructure in a hub model can make it viable for a wider range of industries and operations Western Australia is uniquely placed due to its combination of high emissions industries, geological storage opportunities, and skilled workforce CCUS is a safe, globally tested, and viable technology to help Australia and the world achieve net zero emissions We assessed the potential role of carbon capture utilisation and...
Capturing global attention: Carbon capture, utilisation and storage
By Scott Walker , Ruth Dawkins 22 September 2023 7 min read Key points Science and technology solutions continue to be key in limiting global warming. Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) helps reduce the amount of CO2 currently in and being released into the atmosphere. We’re working with industry, government and the research community to provide reliable, actionable, evidence-based research on CCUS.
Future savings for all-electric households
Our research on the impacts of the energy transition delivers some welcome news for Australian consumers. We've found increased electrification will mean substantial savings on our energy bills. A switch to electric vehicles and appliances, combined with improved energy efficiency measures, could see a household save as much as $2250 annually.
James’s change of gear
Skip to content GENERATIONS of Tasmanians hold fond childhood memories of holidays in the Central Highlands. Summer stays in the family shack, long bushwalks, and endless hours of fishing for trout in yingina/Great Lake. James Johns is one of these Tasmanians. He has a longstanding, heartfelt connection to the region, and is now helping a new generation of visitors create their own memories. James is the grandson of David Johns, the founder of well-known Tasmanian car dealership DJ Motors.
Taking stock of Australia's carbon sequestration potential - ECOS
As we reach the end of a year where headlines have focused on fires, floods, and rising temperatures, it has never been clearer that Australia needs to accelerate progress towards net zero emissions. There is now broad international consensus that to transition to net-zero emissions – and to limit global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius – requires both the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Creating a blueprint for responsible, low-impact deep-sea mining
Several kilometres below the surface of the Pacific Ocean in an area known as the Clarion Clipperton Zone, the seabed is littered with rocks the size of potatoes. Known as polymetallic nodules, they are rich in the minerals required to make batteries. As global demand for critical minerals rapidly increases, a number of companies are considering the potential for mining polymetallic nodules.
Proteins of the future: using precision fermentation to develop new ingredients
Australia has a long-standing reputation as a producer of quality proteins. From beef to barramundi and pulses to dairy, our commodities are in high demand both domestically and overseas. But with the global population expected to increase by two billion people by 2050, it’s time to start thinking about diversifying our sources of protein.
Understanding biodiversity in water resource assessments in northern Australia
Northern Australia contains diverse and important river and coastal systems with high natural values including species and habitats of national and international significance. These rivers are also of increasing interest for agricultural expansion due to their water and soil resources.
Indigenous authors front and centre of latest State of Environment Report
Australia’s biodiversity and land environment face immense, compounding pressures from habitat loss, climate change and invasive species. A renewed focus on the environment that includes increased financial investment, more effective national legislation, and greater involvement of Indigenous communities in land, water and sea management will put the country on the path to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Celebrating 10 years of TraNSIT - the data tool that keeps Australia moving
In a country with a landmass as large as Australia’s, transport infrastructure is essential. From fresh food to minerals – avocadoes to zinc – commodities often have complicated logistics and travel long-distance routes of 1000 kilometres or more that can be enormously expensive for producers. A combination of infrastructure investment and regulatory change can bring about substantial reductions in transport and logistics costs.
Compound risk: how to build resilience in the face of climate change
The risk of more frequent and extreme natural hazards is rising with climate change. When these extreme events 'collide', their impacts compound—making communities more vulnerable to crises. How can we prevent potential systemic failures caused by extreme events? Imagine for a moment that your community has suffered a lengthy drought. Several years without adequate rainfall have left farmers alarmingly close to running out of water and stockfeed – resources that are essential for the local economy.
Calculating the costs of net zero emissions
A new CSIRO report ‘Exploring climate risk in Australia’ asks what the financial implications might be if we delay the transition to net zero emissions. The term ‘net zero emissions’ has been everywhere in recent months. It’s been the focus of debate and discussion across radio, TV, newspapers and social media. It’s the term used to describe the point where the amount of greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere is equally balanced with the gas being removed from the atmosphere.
Tracing the source of the Mataranka Springs
The Mataranka Springs Complex is a unique water resource in the Northern Territory. Recent CSIRO research has uncovered important new information about the sources of water for the Springs. The Mataranka Thermal Pools in the Northern Territory. Image: Alf Larcher, CSIRO The Mataranka Springs Complex is a unique water resource. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Northern Territory and it holds great cultural significance for Aboriginal communities in the surrounding area.
Driving down Australia’s energy sector emissions
Electricity generation is the biggest contributor to our national greenhouse gas emissions, and it's undergoing a rapid transition. Last year the Australian government announced its plan to reach a net zero target by 2050. Driving down Australia’s energy sector emissions is challenging because it’s made up of many different industries. We explain what’s going on behind the scenes in different parts of the energy sector, as the country works towards a net zero future.
The best secret spots in Tasmania
Located opposite St David’s Park (near Hobart’s waterfront) and set back from the street down a hidden alley, you have to work hard to track down Hobart’s newest cocktail bar, Mary Mary. The late-night spot is set behind 1800s-era sandstone walls in Hobart’s old Lands and Survey department – the vault-like side doors lead to sister venue and hot new Italian eatery, Peppina.
Technological innovation will drive change in Australia's energy system - ECOS
Our analysis from 2017 estimated it would cost Australia a trillion dollars to convert to renewables. Our current estimate is $500 billion. A large part of this is because of recent technological innovation. Australia’s energy system is undergoing a major transition. The four key components of the energy system – electricity, industry, transport and exports – are all evolving, in some cases even more rapidly than expected.
Technological innovation will drive change in Australia's energy system
By Ruth Dawkins 27 January 2022 6 min read Australia’s energy system is undergoing a major transition. The four key components of the energy system - electricity, industry, transport and exports – are all evolving, in some cases even more rapidly than expected. It’s an exciting time, driven by a range of different factors that include new technologies, changing consumer preferences, and national and global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
How listening to the community is helping to safeguard the environment
Our user-centred approach to assessing potential environmental impacts is helping to support informed decision making when it comes to safeguarding environmental values in the Beetaloo and Cooper geological basins. The Beetaloo and Cooper geological basins in Australia’s centre contain unique water-related and environmental features. These areas are also highly prospective for gas.
Protecting the health of Australians through improved bushfire smoke forecasting
Air quality forecasting improvements will be able to provide hourly and daily information on pollutants in the air to help fire and environmental authorities, and the community. AQFx is a forecasting tool for assessing air pollution impacts. The devastation of the 2019/2020 bushfire season put unprecedented stress on communities and response teams, and the memories of that smoke-filled summer will remain for years to come.
Why hazard reduction burning is no smokescreen
Used alongside other fire management approaches, hazard reduction burning can reduce the impact of bushfire on property and loss of life. Extreme events such as bushfires are becoming more common in Australia. Image/Flickr The how and why of hazard reduction burning Australia’s unique climate and geography have always left us vulnerable to extreme weather events, but climate change is now exacerbating those conditions further.
Eating for the environment: Can changing your diet help the planet?
Research is looking into the potential for individuals to follow diets that are both sustainable and healthy, as well as exploring what challenges we face in doing that. Do we have alternative options for a sustainable diet? Sustainable diets are a hot topic at the moment. It’s almost impossible to turn on the television, scroll your social media feed, or flick through a glossy mag without encountering advice about what you should – and shouldn’t – be eating to save the planet.
Four of the best Tasmanian road trips - from someone who's done them all
Tasmania is perfect for road tripping. With outstanding views around every corner, an abundance of beachfront shacks, and roadside produce stalls aplenty, there’s every reason for you to hit the highway. Consider the fact that it’s less than 400km from the north of the island to the south – so you can pack in heaps of activities without spending hours in the car – and the prospect of a Tassie road trip becomes even more appealing.
Soils ain't soils - carbon farming offers fertile future - ECOS
Increasing the amount of carbon stored in agricultural soils can help mitigate rising greenhouse gas emissions and sustain agricultural productivity. Carbon farming is a key plank of Australia’s climate mitigation efforts, and CSIRO scientists are looking for new and innovative approaches to help realise the benefits for all. Soil organic carbon is the key to rich, fertile soil and offers tantalising environmental opportunities. So, what is soil carbon, and why is it so important?
FarmPrint: a monitoring and benchmarking tool to help farmers reduce their emissions
Work is underway to help Australian farmers better understand their emissions via a new monitoring and benchmarking tool to help them make their farms more sustainable. Industry partners have supported the development of a new tool – FarmPrint – that helps to track Australian agricultural emissions. As Australia transitions to a low carbon economy, agribusiness will play a key role.
Decommissioning offshore oil and gas infrastructure: liability or opportunity?
Can the rigs of today become the reefs of tomorrow? CSIRO is working with industry partners to explore the future of our oil and gas infrastructure. CSIRO is identifying effective decommissioning options of offshore oil and gas platforms In the waters around Australia there are dozens of oil and gas platforms and an estimated 3,500 kilometres of pipeline that are now coming to the end of their lifespan.
A unique collaboration explores the future of our oceans
What if we could imagine a better, more sustainable future for our oceans? Future Seas 2030 is an innovative, interdisciplinary project doing exactly that. Future Seas is an innovative, interdisciplinary project imagining a better, more sustainable future for our oceans. Healthy oceans are essential for us all. They play a vital role in regulating the world’s climate, and provide food, jobs, clean air, and unique cultural connections. Unfortunately, the oceans are under threat.
Dark Mofo or no: a local's guide to thrilling winter breaks in Tasmania
So. Dark Mofo is cancelled. The risks associated with Covid-19 are too high, and David Walsh has decided to pull the plug on the 2020 festival with the aim of keeping it alive in future years. It is probably just as well. As anyone who has been to Dark Mofo’s adult-only Night Mass event will know, the requirement for social distancing and keeping your bodily fluids under control wouldn’t really be in the spirit of things.
Sheep's whey and wakame: Tasmania's off-beat gin boom
George Burgess didn’t set out to be a gin distiller. Born in Melbourne and brought up in north-west Tasmania, Burgess dropped out of school early and spent most of his teens in libraries and museums rather than the classroom. After talking his way back into formal education – studying chemical technology at Tafe – Burgess then worked through a succession of roles in the brewing, dairy and biotech industries.
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