- Posted on 16 Dec 2025
- 5-min read
This year, we made big strides toward a clean energy future.
From global renewable pathways to local solutions that empower communities and spark innovation.
Program highlights
OECM for Africa
A groundbreaking report from ISF, in partnership with Power Shift Africa, charts a bold course: 100% renewable energy across Africa by 2050. Part of the One Earth Climate Model, the research reveals Africa’s solar and wind potential could exceed projected electricity needs by 180 times – and just 3% of that capacity would meet all future demand.
The report explores energy demand across major sectors, investment requirements, and policy frameworks, showcasing Africa’s chance to leapfrog fossil fuels and build a climate-resilient future.
Download the Africa Energy Development Plan
Local Aboriginal Land Council Powershift: sharing the benefits of the energy transition
ISF and UNSW investigated how Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) can host renewable energy projects on their land. Case studies in Brewarrina, Tibooburra, and Hay uncovered enormous potential: the current LALC land estate could support 11GW of solar and 1.6GW of wind energy.
The report calls for policy changes to enable micro-grids, mid- and large-scale projects, and strengthen recognition of Aboriginal rights.
The Vehicle-Grid Network
ISF and Climate-KIC Australia, alongside RACE for 2030 CRC and ARENA, launched Australia’s first national collaborative platform for EV-grid integration. This $6.3M initiative unites automotive, energy, and regulatory leaders to accelerate vehicle-to-grid solutions.
The Network builds on six years of ISF research into EV charging models, infrastructure skills, and fleet transitions.
Energy Upgrades for Australian Homes (EUAH)
ISF and Climate-KIC Australia are creating tools to help local governments and community groups deliver home energy upgrades. In 2025, the Upgrade Accelerator Program supported 10 organisations through workshops on designing effective programs. With over 50 applicants, the strong interest signals growing momentum for community-led energy efficiency.
Global climate leadership
ISF researcher Sven Teske was appointed as a lead author for the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports – reinforcing ISF’s role in shaping global climate policy.
2025 was about building bridges – between global ambition and local action – to accelerate the clean energy transition.
Coming up in 2026…
Our Energy team will keep driving innovation in EV-grid integration and expand work on community energy programs. We’re also preparing new global modelling under the One Earth Climate Model to inform climate negotiations at COP31.
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How research into simple home upgrades transformed lives, cut energy bills and reshaped government policy.
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Research funded by JMI and Boundless to address the urgent need to involve and support NSW Aboriginal communities in participating and leading the energy transition.
News
ISF Secures $1.29M Grant to Lead NSW Hub of National Water Security Centre
News
Leading up to COP30, the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) has identified six priority research areas to support the global transition to net zero
Webpage
How research into simple home upgrades transformed lives, cut energy bills and reshaped government policy.
Webpage
Research funded by JMI and Boundless to address the urgent need to involve and support NSW Aboriginal communities in participating and leading the energy transition.
News
ISF Secures $1.29M Grant to Lead NSW Hub of National Water Security Centre
News
Leading up to COP30, the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) has identified six priority research areas to support the global transition to net zero