ATSE FELLOW RACHELLE DOYLE TALKS CLEAN ENERGY, HYDROGEN, AND INSPIRING WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY
BY ASAD KHAN
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has announced the election of 32 new Fellows for 2024, honoring individuals from diverse fields for their outstanding contributions to science and technology.
The newly elected Fellows represent a wide range of sectors, including Indigenous genomics, carbon emissions modeling, defense engineering, farming, artificial intelligence (AI), and medical research.
Among the newly elected Fellows is Rachelle Doyle, an energy transition advocate and Rio Tinto’s Manager for Strategic Programs.
Ms Doyle has been recognized for her work in promoting clean energy solutions and sustainable practices in the mining industry.
In an interview, she discussed the role of technology and innovation in shaping the future of sustainable operations.
Harnessing Technology for Sustainable Mining
Speaking about the future of AI and advanced engineering in sustainable mining, Ms Doyle emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making and automation for enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
"There are a lot of opportunities for us to leverage technology to make better decisions, reduce manual efforts, and improve overall safety," she said.
"Automation not only creates safer working conditions but also makes the workplace more enjoyable."
Challenges and Opportunities in Energy Transition
Ms Doyle acknowledged the challenges of transitioning industries like mining to cleaner energy sources, particularly when dealing with existing infrastructure.
"Electrification is a reliable pathway from a technology perspective, but many physical assets will need to be upgraded, which requires significant investment and workforce planning,"
She stressed the importance of system optimization and integrating new energy solutions into current operations to successfully decarbonize heavy industries like mining.
Hydrogen's Role in Australia's Low-Carbon Future
Ms Doyle also highlighted the potential of hydrogen in Australia's transition to a low-carbon economy, noting that its best use lies in heavy industry where it can replace fossil fuel-generated hydrogen.
However, she pointed out that transportation and storage challenges remain a barrier to broader adoption.
"The transportation and storage of hydrogen present significant challenges, especially in sectors like mobility," she said.
Despite these challenges, Ms Doyle believes hydrogen will play a crucial role as the technology continues to evolve and mature.
Advice for Women in Energy and Technology
When asked what advice she would offer to young women pursuing careers in energy and technology,
Ms Doyle emphasized the importance of continuous learning and collaboration.
"Always listen to people and learn from what they're saying. Collaboration is key to leadership, and finding mentors and sponsors can really help you on your journey," she advised.
Ms Doyle’s insights reflect her commitment to innovation and leadership in the energy transition, offering a forward-looking perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead for industries seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Lead Journalist Asad Khan speak with Energy Transition Advocate Rachelle Doyle: