Counting the Cost – The Materials, Environmental & Financial Cost of the Net Zero Transition

Technion Australia's Einstein Supper Series celebrates the Technion’s founding spirit – inspired by Albert Einstein – to challenge ideas, question assumptions, and explore science’s power to shape our world.

At our next Melbourne gathering, Dr. Rod Hill - Former CSIRO Chief Research Scientist - will lead an eye-opening discussion on “Counting the Cost - The Materials, Environmental & Financial Cost of the Net Zero Transition.”

With decades of experience in energy, materials science, and industry leadership, Dr. Hill will shed light on:

• The sunk cost of renewables in Australia since 2000 – and how it compares to nuclear alternatives.

• The hidden environmental and biodiversity impact of low-intensity renewables.

• The critical materials challenges in achieving true net-zero emissions.

• How global supply chains and resource constraints shape the clean energy future.

As Australia doubles down on renewable energy, Dr. Hill argues for a whole-of-system approach – one that balances technology, economics, and the environment. His insights draw from both his leadership at CSIRO and his advocacy for innovation and pragmatic, technology-agnostic solutions.

Over a light supper and wine, join fellow curious minds, professionals, and Technion supporters for a lively discussion on what it really takes to power a sustainable future – and how institutions like the Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, a global leader in energy and materials research, are driving breakthroughs that could transform the way the world thinks about net zero.

Register Today!

Simply click the RSVP button. If you think of someone to bring along who would be interested in this event, please RSVP for them too and bring them along.

Date: Wednesday 12 November 2025

Time: 6:30pm

Location: TBA (Melbourne)

Includes: Light supper and wine

RSVP essential – limited places available.

More about Dr. Rod Hill:

Dr. Rod Hill is a former CSIRO Chief Research Scientist and Group Executive in the Mineral Resources, Manufacturing, Energy Technology and Industrial Physics Divisions, and a former Pro Vice Chancellor for Industry Engagement & Commercialisation at Monash University. He is Chair (and Fellow) of the SA&NT Division of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and a Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical institute, the Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy, and the Mineralogical Society of America. 

He is an advocate for innovation and research in providing a balanced (technology agnostic) portfolio of low emissions energy production technologies for our economy. With decades of experience in both academia and industry, he is at the forefront of research into the materials realities facing the energy transition.

We hope to see you as what promises to be an incredible talk!