A new chapter for an energetic scientific career

It was also the year, 1973, that CSIRO’s Sustainable Energy Advisor, Dr John Wright – who is retiring next week – joined the organisation as a research scientist in the Sydney laboratories of the then Division of Mineral Chemistry.

Now regarded as one of Australia’s leading climate and energy experts, Dr Wright then moved through the ranks of the national science agency working in a range of areas including; mineral processing, coal technologies and renewable energy.

He conceived and led the establishment of Australia’s $36 million National Energy Centre in Newcastle and designed the CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship research program.

“John has been the architect of CSIRO’s low-emission energy technology research and his achievements are the foundations for our ongoing efforts to mitigate climate change,” says CSIRO Energy Group Executive, Dr Beverley Ronalds.

“His leadership of our solar-thermal, biofuel, energy efficiency, low-emission fossil fuel and clean transport research means that, as a country, we are developing the tools to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Dr Ronalds said.

Until last year Dr Wright was the Director of the CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship before taking on his current role as CSIRO’s Sustainable Energy Advisor.

Dr Wight said his career with CSIRO had been full of opportunities.

“The organisation has given me so many opportunities to make a difference, particularly in energy science and engineering. And with my colleagues, I think we have grasped those opportunities right across the fossil fuel and renewables areas,” Dr Wright said.

Although he is retiring from CSIRO, Dr Wright is not retiring from his energy interests and will continue to work on various committees and boards, as well as doing some consulting work.

“It is an exciting time to stay connected and to participate in the energy challenges that Australia faces,” Dr Wright said. “The decisions we make over the next decade are probably the most crucial that Australia and the world will take as we battle to deliver ever increasing clean, cost-effective, reliable energy with ever lower greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector.”

CSIRO initiated the National Research Flagships to provide science-based solutions in response to Australia’s major research challenges and opportunities. The 10 Flagships form multidisciplinary teams with industry and the research community to deliver impact and benefits for Australia.