Thursday, 21st November
The third day of CAUSINDY 2024 immersed delegates in pioneering green energy innovations and Australia-Indonesia research collaborations, highlighting the immense potential of bilateral partnerships to drive sustainable progress.
Site Visit
CSIRO – Critical Minerals, Metals, and Materials for the Energy Transition (C3MET)
At CSIRO’s Curtin University facilities, delegates explored the C3MET initiative led by Professor Jacques Eksteen. Guided by Tony Tang, they learned about projects on sustainably recovering critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt—key to the energy transition—demonstrating Western Australia’s global leadership in critical mineral supply chains.
Green Electric Energy Park (GEEP)
The second group visited GEEP, a state-of-the-art renewable energy facility recognised by the IEEE Power and Energy Society as a trailblazer in advancing renewable technologies and power-system concepts. Delegates were introduced to innovative renewable energy technologies and power systems, setting a global benchmark for energy research and education.
Welcome to Country
Delegates reconvened for a heartfelt Welcome to Country by Indigenous Elder Robyn Collard and her grandson Albert. Introducing the Whadjuk Nyoongar people’s land, Elder Collard reflected on the cultural and linguistic richness of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.
Marking the season of Kambarang, symbolising renewal, she lightened the mood with a playful warning to “watch out for the cheeky behaviour of magpies” during nesting season—a reminder of how ancestral knowledge continues to resonate today. Her closing words, “We are one and we are many, and from all the lands on earth we’ve come to meet here today to learn and grow,” set the stage for a day of collaboration.
Panel Discussions
Panel 4: Innovating Together – Collaborative Research and the Energy Transition
This panel highlighted the role of bilateral research in driving the energy transition. Professor Peta Ashworth OAM stressed the need for science-based public engagement, while Professor Tania Urmee discussed off-grid solutions for remote communities. Professor Klaus Regenauer-Lieb shared insights on geothermal energy storage as a sustainable development opportunity.
Panel 5: PhD and Early Career Researchers in the Bilateral Relationship
The panel explored ways to foster cross-border research and empower early-career academics. Professors Anu Rammohan and Jacqueline Lo discussed addressing funding and mobility barriers while emphasising the importance of cultural and linguistic understanding. They called for grassroots initiatives to create sustainable research collaborations.
Panelist discuss about fostering cross-border research across Australia and Indonesia
PhD Presentations
Curtin PhD students showcased innovative research with strong bilateral relevance:
- Nehemia Gurusinga highlighted the need for stakeholder engagement and public acceptance to scale up renewable hydrogen and ammonia production.
- Egi Adrian Pratama presented on CO2 storage technologies, demonstrating their potential to cut emissions through Australia-Indonesia collaboration.
- Siti Alaa shared how microwave technology can reduce CO2 emissions from rice production waste, linking scientific innovation to practical environmental benefits.
These presentations deepened delegates’ understanding of the importance of public engagement, policy alignment, and culturally informed solutions in advancing green energy initiatives—insights that will inform future collaborative projects.
CAUSINDY Collaboration Session 3
Building on knowledge gained from panels, presentations, and site visits, delegates refined their project ideas. Equipped with new insights, they began finalising their innovative solutions to their particular issue of focus within the bilateral relationship.
Gala Dinner
The day concluded with a gala dinner at Kidogo Arthouse in Fremantle, where attendees enjoyed a fusion of Indonesian and Australian cuisine. The event was graced with the attendance of Indonesia’s Consul General, Mrs. Listiana Operananta and Keynote addresses from Mrs. Magenta Marshall MLA (Member for Rockingham, Western Australia Parliament) and Mr. Bryce Green (Investment and Trade Commissioner for Western Australia in ASEAN), who emphasised bilateral opportunities. Some other notable invitee present at the dinner are:
- Clarice Campbell – Lead Adviser for Skills at IA-CEPA ECP Katalis
- Marlene Millot – Program Manager at The Australia-Indonesia Centre
- Matthew Satchwell – Student Admin Coordinator at The Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies
The Gala dinner was a true highlight of the conference with delegates having left feeling inspired and optimistic about the collaborative future.
Reflections on the Day
Day 3 of CAUSINDY 2024 highlighted the power of Australia-Indonesia collaboration in addressing shared challenges. Delegates left with a clearer understanding of the practical hurdles in turning research into real-world solutions. As delegate Charlie Barnes noted,
“Hearing about the obstacles to the commercialisation of research was something I hadn’t had a full appreciation of.”
The day’s panels, site visits, and discussions not only inspired new ideas but also emphasised the importance of working together to drive meaningful, sustainable change.