Global conflict and fuel market disruptions have pushed energy security firmly into the spotlight. Monash Climate Communication Hub invites journalists and media professionals to join a rapid-response briefing on what these developments mean for Australia’s energy systems.
The online briefings will connect journalists directly with leading researchers and subject-matter experts, and are designed to support accurate, timely and impactful reporting on climate and energy.
Date: Thursday 26 March 2026
Time: 2pm (AEST)
Location: Zoom (link will be sent via calendar invitation)
Hear from experts from across Monash University:
Professor Yolande Strengers, Monash Energy Institute Research Director, Faculty of Information Technology
Contact: +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]
Read more of Professor Strengers’ commentary
“The conflict in the Middle East is likely to be a further catalyst for Australia’s energy transition, driving investment in electric vehicles and home batteries. Simultaneously, it may reinforce the importance of the home in times of crisis, as people seek ways to buffer themselves from further cost-of-living pressures.”
Associate Professor Roger Dargaville, researcher in renewable energy, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Contact: +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]
Read more of Associate Professor Dargavilles’ commentary
“The current conflict in the Middle East is a reminder that geopolitical security can create major disruptions across the economy – in this case it is impacting fossil fuel supplies – but future disruptions could be important for other critical minerals and technologies.
“With the transition to renewable energy we become reliant on other countries for our energy security – perhaps it’s time to reconsider our ability to manufacture solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles locally, or at least some of the components.
“Electrification of the economy requires a whole-of-system approach – to move from natural gas to heat pumps for hot water and space heating will require a significant increase in electricity production in winter. Decreasing reliance on imported oil and full electrification of private vehicles will increase electricity demand by around 20-30 per cent compared to the present.”
The panel will explore:
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What recent global disruptions mean for Australia’s energy system
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What lessons Australia could learn about energy security
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How energy security connects to affordability, reliability and resilience
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What stories can be told about the broader transition
More information about the Rapid Response Briefings
Climate and energy stories increasingly dominate the news cycle, with journalists often required to report quickly on complex, evolving issues. These briefings are designed to cut through that complexity, providing clear, evidence-based insights you can use in real time.
The series will provide:
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Rapid, expert-led explanations of emerging climate and energy developments
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Clear context to support breaking news coverage
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Practical guidance for translating science into accessible reporting
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Opportunities to ask questions and engage directly with researchers
These sessions draw on the Hub’s expertise in climate communication and its long-standing partnerships with media organisations to support journalists in climate and energy communications.
Whether you’re covering policy shifts, finance or the energy transition, these briefings are designed to help you navigate the story and tell it well.
For more Monash media stories visit our news & events site: monash.edu/news
For any other topics on which you may be seeking expert comment, contact the Monash University Media Unit on +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]
