Monash mapping project nominated for Eureka Prize

An online platform that lets users create accurate maps to inform decisions about the location of resource development projects has been selected as a finalist for the Eureka Prize for Innovative Research in Sustainability.

Developed by researchers led by Dr Stuart Walsh of Monash University’s Department of Civil Engineering and Dr Marcus Haynes of Geoscience Australia, the Economic Fairways Mapper project is designed to support the responsible and sustainable development of renewable energy and critical mineral resources in Australia.

The research team developed an open-source toolkit to facilitate planning of renewable energy and mineral projects by providing access to multi-disciplinary information that can be used to identify the most sustainable locations for resource development in the early stages of project decision-making and investment when the potential for impact is greatest.

The Economic Fairways Mapper integrates advanced mapping technology with diverse datasets, enabling policymakers and industry leaders to conduct detailed geospatial-financial analyses of future large-scale projects, and assesses the quality of renewable energy resources required to produce clean hydrogen and other green commodities. It includes the associated rail and road transportation infrastructures, pipelines to export ports and ready access to water in the analysis, to accurately identify the best locations for new projects to aid in the energy transition.

The Eureka Prize for Innovative Research in Sustainability is presented by the University of Sydney Faculty of Science, and is awarded for research that has produced innovative solutions to support ongoing and improved sustainability practices or policies. Winners of the Eureka Prizes for 2023 will be announced during a live broadcast event on Wednesday, 23 August.

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