Accelerating Decarbonisation in Australia | Academic Lecture

Hear from guest lecturer Prof Henrik Stiesdal as he presents "Accelerating Decarbonisation in Australia: Leveraging industrial methods for a Modular Energy System."

The Australian Government's Net Zero Plan aims to achieve ambitious emission reduction targets by 2035, with a vision to attain Net Zero by 2050. 

It will be technically and commercially possible to accelerate the decarbonisation based on the deployment of industrial methods within the energy sector configuration. These methods, encompassing modularisation, standardisation, and mass production, can fast-track the setup of future energy systems. By harnessing abundant natural resources like sun, wind, and biomass, a modular energy infrastructure can be constructed to provide a robust and reliable supply of electricity, fuels, and chemicals. Early adoption and demonstration of this innovative energy system can position Australia as a global leader in decarbonisation efforts, catalysing accelerated progress worldwide. Through strategic initiatives, Australia has the potential to spearhead transformative change towards a sustainable and resilient energy future. 

Henrik Stiesdal's Bio

Henrik Stiesdal is one of the pioneers of the modern wind industry. He built his first wind turbine in 1976 and in 1978 designed a commercial turbine that was licensed by Vestas in 1979. Stiesdal worked with Vestas until 1986 and in 1987 joined Bonus Energy, later Siemens Wind Power. In 1988 he was appointed Technical Manager, and in 2000 Chief Technology Officer. He retired from Siemens at the end of 2014. 

During his more than 45 years in the wind industry Stiesdal has worked with all aspects of wind turbine technology, including fundamental research, turbine design, manufacturing, sales, project implementation, service, and quality management. He was responsible for the turbine design for the world’s first offshore wind farm in 1991, and for the world’s first floating offshore wind turbine in 2009. 

At present, Stiesdal's primary focus lies in the advancement and commercialization of technologies for climate change mitigation. His endeavors span a wide range of innovations, such as industrialised offshore wind turbine foundations, mid-term energy storage, low-cost green hydrogen production, and carbon-negative fuels.

Stiesdal has been awarded more than 800 patents.

Academically, Henrik Stiesdal holds the position of Associate Professor at the Department of Wind Energy at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Wind Energy). He also serves as an Adjunct Research Professor at the University of Maine.