A new science research agreement between the Queensland and Bavarian state governments will help Queensland in its drive to combat climate change and reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
The new agreement puts in place formal cooperation between the two governments to support collaborative university-level research on priority topics including greener fuels, energy storage, and emission reduction technologies.
The agreement was signed during a live videoconference between Queensland and Bavaria by Queensland’s Science Minister Leanne Linard and Bavarian Minister for Science and the Arts, Markus Blume.
It builds on existing research and industry connections between the two states, which include Queensland University of Technology’s collaboration with Bavaria’s University of Bayreuth and the University of Queensland’s partnership with the Technical University of Munich.
In June 2022, the Bavarian Government proposed more formal cooperation between the two state governments to support collaborative research, at the university level, on priority research topics.
Collaborative research priorities supported by the agreement include green hydrogen, synthetic fuels and energy storage; cleantech and emission reduction technologies; artificial intelligence; quantum technologies; additive manufacturing; life sciences, biomedical research and wider bioeconomy; and aerospace.
Among other things, research opportunities resulting from the agreement will help the state develop a prosperous and resilient economy that manages the risks of climate change and makes the most of the many opportunities that go with transitioning to a net zero emissions economy.
Importantly, the science priorities promoted in the agreement – especially green and synthetic fuels, better energy storage, emission reduction technologies, and bioeconomy – will help the state in its drive towards the goals of the Queensland Climate Action Plan 2030.
This plan provides a roadmap over the next decade to address climate change and to help reach Queensland’s targets of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030, 30% emissions reduction below 2005 levels by 2030 and eventually net zero emissions by 2050.
Minister Linard said: “The international cooperation resulting from today’s agreement between Queensland and Bavaria is important as it allows a transfer of knowledge and technology that will help us enhance our vital environmental, social and economic research.
“This new collaboration in research topics closely relevant to the priorities of Queensland and Bavaria directly supports the economic development of both states.
“It will ensure both governments continue to strengthen existing international science partnerships and identify opportunities to develop new international partnerships to maintain our respective global reputations as science leaders.
“Bioeconomy, in particular, is an emerging model for government and business, with a greater focus on sustainably using renewable biological resources to produce food, energy, and industrial goods.
“This new agreement represents an exciting step in Queensland’s broader relationship with Germany, where we are working together to provide solutions to some of the world’s challenges.”
