Michael Brear

Professor Michael Brear is a distinguished mechanical engineer at the University of Melbourne, holding a professorship since 2014. He currently serves as Director of the Net Zero Australia Project, a partnership between the University of Queensland, Princeton University, and the University of Melbourne. Previously, he directed the Melbourne Energy Institute from 2016 to 2025 and established the Master of Energy Systems program from 2012 to 2016.

His educational background includes a PhD from Cambridge University in 2001, followed by post-doctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prior to academia, he worked for ICI Australia (now Orica).

Brear's research focuses on the technical, economic and environmental analysis of transport, energy and industrial systems; combustion of conventional and alternative fuels; and stationary/mobile powerplants featuring engines, turbines, energy storage and renewables. His work bridges engineering fundamentals with practical applications for decarbonization, particularly in heavy industry and transportation sectors where electrification faces challenges.

His recent publications demonstrate a focus on shipping decarbonization and energy grid resilience. The 2025 article examines carbon levy impacts on iron ore exports, while the 2024 work analyzes thunderstorm impacts on transmission infrastructure. Both reflect his systems approach to energy challenges, connecting technical solutions with economic and regulatory frameworks.

• Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering
• Fellow of the Combustion Institute
• Fellow of Engineers Australia

Brear maintains extensive collaborations with government and industry, having advised on hydrogen, network regulation and energy market design. His research receives funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, Australian Research Council, Future Energy Exports CRC, and Clean Marine Fuel Institute, among other government and industry sources. He has worked with world-leading manufacturers across energy, transport and heavy industry sectors.

As Director of the Net Zero Australia Project, he leads cross-institutional research examining pathways to decarbonization. His work connects fundamental engineering research with practical implementation strategies, particularly focusing on hard-to-abate sectors where conventional electrification approaches face limitations.