Dr Thambimuthu discussed the use of coal as an affordable energy source in a future that will demand near zero or zero emissions.
"Climate change and the need to mitigate CO2 emissions have created new challenges that require more than just another incremental change to current technologies. A step-change breakthrough is required," Thambimuthu said.
Thambimuthu was recently appointed to head the CLET based at CSIRO's Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies (QCAT) at Pullenvale in Brisbane.
The Centre conducts world-leading research on clean coal technology and is a joint venture between CSIRO, the Queensland Government, the Australian Coal Association Research Program, CS Energy, Stanwell Corporation, Tarong Energy and the University of Queensland.
Before joining the Centre Thambimuthu was Science & Technology director at Canada's CANMET Energy Technology Centre. He is also chairman of the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Greenhouse Gas R&D Program.
