Chemeca Medallist 2026 Presentation: Net Zero by 2050: The Next Renaissance in Chemical Engineering
| Wednesday, September 30, 2026 |
| 4:00 PM - 4:40 PM |
| Victory Room A |
Details
Australia’s transition to net zero emissions by 2050 is entering a new phase. While progress in decarbonising electricity generation is substantial, attention is shifting to harder-to-abate sectors. By 2030, around 60% of Australia’s remaining emissions are expected to come from transport fuels, stationary energy and industrial processes—creating both a significant challenge and major opportunity for chemical engineering.
Meeting this challenge will require more than electrification. New low-emission technologies will be needed to deliver low-carbon energy for transport and industry at scale. This presentation explores the emerging opportunity for Australia and chemical engineers—and how net zero could drive a new renaissance in the profession.
Speaker
Mr Keith Sharp
Engineering Manager
TfA Project Group
Net Zero by 2050: The Next Renaissance in Chemical Engineering
4:00 PM - 4:40 PM
Keith is a distinguished Chartered chemical engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers and Engineers Australia. With an impressive 39 years of experience in the fuel industry, his journey began at Mobil Oil in various engineering and operational roles. Since 1997, Keith has been with TfA Project Group, where his downstream oil industry and dangerous goods expertise have profoundly impacted the bioenergy sector.
Over the past two decades, Keith has delved deeply into bioenergy, biofuels, and hydrogen.
Notably, Keith was the lead process engineer for the design of Australia’s first grain-to-ethanol plant in Dalby and has spearheaded feasibility studies for pivotal biofuel projects, including for Jet Zero in Townsville.
Keith is immediate past chair of the Engineers Australia Chemical College Board and holds memberships on the Bioenergy Australia Clean Fuels Alliance committee and the Australasian Institute of Dangerous Goods.
