As Brisbane gears up to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the spotlight is shifting from athletics to the city’s burgeoning prowess in energy and resources. With the Queensland Government pouring over AUS$62 billion into the energy transition, Brisbane is not just flexing its muscles in sports; it’s also establishing itself as a heavyweight in the global energy sector. In the fiscal year 2022-2023, mining reigned supreme as Queensland’s largest industry, boasting a staggering valuation of AUS$86.5 billion. This positions the state as a treasure trove of resources, including cobalt, vanadium, and rare earth elements, essential for the materials powering the future—from batteries to aerospace alloys.
The research landscape in Brisbane is nothing short of world-class. The Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies is a hive of innovation, hosting CSIRO-operated groups dedicated to social and environmental research in the gas industry and minerals resources. Institutions like the University of Queensland (UQ) and Griffith University are at the forefront of sustainable energy research. UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute is particularly focused on ethical resource supply, while Griffith’s Centre for Catalysis and Clean Energy is pioneering groundbreaking materials science. Not to be outdone, the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is making strides in low-emission systems through its Centre for Clean Energy Technologies and Practices. The Queensland Government’s Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station further solidifies Brisbane’s reputation for leading the charge in mining safety solutions.
But that’s not all folks; Brisbane is also carving out its niche as Australia’s quantum computing hub. Hosting two of the nation’s four Quantum Centres of Excellence, the city is poised for a quantum leap, with PsiQuantum set to establish the world’s first commercial-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer right in its backyard. The quantum sector is projected to balloon to AUS$2.2 billion by 2030, and Brisbane is at the helm of this technological revolution.
When it comes to Mining Equipment, Technology, and Services (METS), Brisbane stands tall with the world’s largest METS cluster. Over 500 companies are cranking out advanced solutions across coal, oil, gas, and minerals sectors. These METS firms are not just participants; they are the innovators pushing the envelope on industry advancements, from mineral processing to digital productivity solutions.
Brisbane’s reputation as a hub for energy and resources makes it a hotbed for international business events. With a robust local delegate base, extensive aviation networks, and its prime location in the Asia Pacific, the city is a magnet for major energy and resources companies. Recent events like the 26th World Mining Congress and the Asia Pacific Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition have drawn thousands of global leaders, showcasing Brisbane’s capabilities and commitment to sustainable practices.
Lorelle Chittick, BEDA General Manager of Tourism, Business, and Major Events, underscores the importance of these connections, stating, “BEDA’s holistic support networks streamline connections with business leaders, government, and academia, ensuring event planners have access to everything they need for a successful event.” This kind of support not only enhances Brisbane’s appeal as a destination for business events but also fosters a collaborative environment ripe for innovation.
As Brisbane prepares for the Olympic spotlight, it’s not just about sports; it’s about showcasing a city that’s ready to lead in energy and resources. With its rich resources, cutting-edge research, and a thriving business ecosystem, Brisbane is set to make waves that will ripple through the energy transition for years to come.
