Newcastle's contribution to the development of alternative energy sources will be discussed at an Australian Earth Sciences forum tonight.

The forum at the Civic Theatre will hear from industry and research experts discussing Australia's Energy future as oil, gas and coal resources continue to decline.

University of Newcastle researcher Doctor Gary Ellem says his focus is on how fossil fuels can fit-in with clean technology and alternative energy.

"We often see those as enemies of each other but realistically if we see where society is we are obviously dependent on fossil fuels at the moment," he said.

"But we need to move towards a clean tech future.

"It really is how do we make sure the clean tech industry is an obvious outcome of our fossil fuel sector.

"How do we make sure one launches the other.

"We want to make sure that transition is as seamless and quick as possible."

Dr Ellem says he will discuss his work with the CSIRO in the development of clean energy technologies.

"CSIRO Energy Centre of course is doing quite a bit of research here.

"The University of Newcastle through NIER (Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources) there's been a lot of research into solar and other technologies as well.

"We have a number of private start up companies around the Hunter doing things especially in the areas of biomass and bio fuel which is particularly exciting so it's really quite a hotspot for R&D (Research and

Development) and commercialisation of new clean tech industries technologies."