Navigating Australia’s Energy Future: Building climate positive value chains

Adapted from a panel discussion with:

• Michael Battaglia, Mission Lead, Towards Net Zero, CSIRO
• Connor McCauley, Head of Sustainability, Australia & New Zealand, JLL
• Lachlan Feggans, Senior Director, Sustainability, ESG & Regeneration, Brambles
• Heidi Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Beyond Zero Emissions
• Aidan Mullan, Sustainability Manager, Australia & New Zealand, Interface

On Gadigal Land at the ImpactX 2025 summit in Sydney, a panel of industry leaders from JLL, Brambles, Beyond Zero Emissions and CSIRO tried to tackle the impossible: predicting Australia’s energy future. We know from physicist Niels Bohr, ‘Prediction is very difficult, especially if it’s about the future.’

Yet, much like Neo in The Matrix, our panel took on the challenge—not to tell us how the transition will end, but how it might begin.

In front of them lay two possible pathways , represented by two pills. One pill symbolised Australia taking bold action to become a renewable energy superpower, accelerating decarbonisation in line with the global commitment to limit warming to 1.5°C. The other pill, represented for a more cautious approach—focusing on achieving net zero by 2050 while maintaining a broad energy mix, prioritising consumer energy prices, and potentially overshooting the Paris target.

Looking ahead to 2030, our panellists explored both scenarios, identifying two key insights:

1. Thriving Value Chains

Regardless of the path chosen, Australia’s value chains are seen to be evolving driven by market and shareholder expectations, with businesses adapting to new energy landscapes.

Whether through cutting-edge renewable technologies driving industry transformation or a more gradual shift supported by government investment in infrastructure, the potential for economic and environmental gains is evident.

2. A Defining Choice in 2025

From a 2030 perspective, each panellist pointed to choices made in 2025 which will shape the nation’s trajectory. For some it was building brand and capability around material circularity and energy efficiency, for others around building systems that tracked scope 3 emissions in a trusted and transparent way. For others it was taking a view of business that built climate change adaptation into pathway choices that prepared them for both red and blue pill futures

The panel navigated the complexities of these possible futures. Highlighting a crucial truth: while predicting the future is fraught, the decisions we make today will define Australia’s path to net zero.

It is not a question of which pill will we take but how do we maintain momentum and ensure we take steps and actions that prepare us for what is always the deep uncertainty of the future. Here in the Towards Net Zero Mission team, we are working with industry, government and communities to shape a future where innovation and action drive just, equitable and sustainable outcomes for our communities, economy and environment. We are bringing forward the evidence and building the options to support wise pathway choice. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the choices that will shape Australia’s energy transition.