RMIT launches ARC Training Centre to help deliver net-zero to Australia

RMIT launches ARC Training Centre to help deliver net-zero to Australia

The ARC Training Centre in Electrifying Australia for a Net-zero Future will deliver industry-ready researchers and advanced technologies to drive low-carbon energy and transport.

The Centre will train skilled, industry-ready researchers and develop data-driven, machine learning solutions for efficient grid planning and operation under mass electrification.

It will also create mechanisms to engage consumers and accelerate industry adoption through strong partnerships and co-designed projects. 

The energy and transport sectors contribute more than 75% of emissions and full electrification combined with increased electricity generation from renewables is key to decarbonise these sectors.  

As renewable generation, rooftop solar, battery and EV uptake accelerate, the complexity of managing our electricity system is increasing significantly. 

Current grids lack capacity and coordinated charging systems, which pose major challenges for imperative milestones in the transition to renewable energy, such as widespread EV adoption. 

15 June 2026

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The Hon. Sarah Witty MP, Member for Melbourne, alongside Professor Mahdi Jalili.The Hon. Sarah Witty MP, Member for Melbourne, alongside Professor Mahdi Jalili.

Professor Mahdi Jalili, Director of the Centre, said that large-scale electrification of energy and transport will significantly impact the electricity grid, requiring Australia to significantly invest in grid upgrades and double renewable generation by 2050 to meet zero-emission targets. 

“Australia's energy system is undergoing a profound transformation. Homes, businesses, industries, and transport systems are increasingly being electrified and powered by renewable energy sources,” he said. 

“While this transition presents tremendous opportunities for economic growth, sustainability, and energy security, it also brings significant technical, workforce, and innovation challenges.” 

“The launch of this ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre represents our collective commitment to addressing one of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing Australia: the transition to an electrified, net-zero future.” 

This Centre brings together four leading universities, RMIT University, QUT, Monash University, and The University of Western Australia, alongside 12 industry partners who share a common vision for Australia's energy future.  

It is supported by a $5m grant from the Federal Government through the Australian Research Council’s Industrial Transformation Research Program, with cash and in-kind contributions from the participating universities and industry partners totalling more than $11m.

The Hon. Sarah Witty MP, Member for Melbourne; Professor Mahdi Jalili; and Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond AO.From L-R: Professor Alison Ross, Academic Director of the ARC; The Hon. Sarah Witty MP, Member for Melbourne; Professor Mahdi Jalili; and Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond AO.

At the launch event, held at the Kalaide Theatre, guests heard from The Hon. Sarah Witty MP, Member for Melbourne, alongside Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond AO, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research & Innovation at RMIT University, as well as centre and industry representatives, including Jalili.

Drummond said that the Centre was created to address a critical research challenge at the heart of Australia’s net-zero transition.

“We need to enable large-scale electrification of our energy and transport systems while maintaining a resilient and efficient electricity grid,” he explained.

“Through interdisciplinary research spanning engineering, economics and AI, this Centre will generate new knowledge and practical solutions in consumer adoption, grid transformation and data-driven system operation.”

“This is exactly the kind of applied, impact-driven research that defines RMIT, and is a core pillar of our Knowledge with Action strategy.” 

As well as conducting world-class research with national and global impacts in managing a core challenge of our time, the Centre will help develop a pipeline of workers with the skills to design bespoke solutions that enable elements of Australia’s energy transition to make a greater impact on the speed and scale of Australia’s electrification.  

“Together, the partners will train 23 PhD candidates and 6 postdoctoral research fellows,” said Jalili.  

“We will equip them with the knowledge, skills, and industry experience needed to become the next generation of research and innovation leaders in electrification and clean energy systems.” 

You can learn more about the ARC Training Centre in Electrifying Australia for a Net-zero Future here.

 

Story: Finn Devlin

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15 June 2026

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