The University of Newcastle, along with over a dozen other international institutions, has joined the Global Partnership for Hydrogen Innovation. The partnership agreement was officially signed during the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The collaboration involves universities, innovation centres, and major ports across Australia, Brazil, Chile, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands joining forces to expedite the advancement of green hydrogen through innovative initiatives.
According to Professor Zee Upton, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Newcastle, the combination of changes in energy production methods and the consequences of climate change has generated an urgent requirement for nations to swiftly shift towards renewable energy sources.
Australia, along with numerous other countries, is embracing hydrogen as a vital component of its energy portfolio. Through collaboration with international industry and government partners, Australia aims to foster opportunities that will have a positive impact on both local regions and the global sphere. By participating in the Global Partnership for Hydrogen Innovation, Australia reaffirms its dedication to facilitating the sharing, expansion, and endorsement of hydrogen innovations worldwide.
Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, the Vice-Chancellor, expressed a strong commitment on behalf of the University of Newcastle to collaborate with partners in order to foster the development of emerging industries and drive innovation in the field of green hydrogen, both at a global scale and within the region. The university possesses the necessary innovation capabilities and industry connections to fulfil this role, and they are enthusiastic about their significant partnership contribution.
Hydrogen innovations at the University of Newcastle
Research and development
The University’s distinguished standing in applied engineering and science is revolutionizing the global energy landscape. With expertise concentrated in the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) and the College of Engineering, Science, and Environment, the university possesses extensive hydrogen research capabilities encompassing various aspects such as production, storage, utilization, and cross-cutting technologies. This comprehensive expertise enables the University to actively contribute to advancements in the field of hydrogen and its wide-ranging applications.
Innovation
Through its collaboration with the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the University of Newcastle is at the forefront of clean energy innovation. Their joint initiative, the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE), has a primary objective of revolutionizing the delivery of technology readiness, commercialization, and industry-driven research to provide support for both small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as large industries. This partnership is poised to drive significant advancements in the clean energy sector, fostering a transformative impact on technology adoption and sustainable practices.
Education
The University has established the Energy Doctoral Training Centre, an initiative that provides support for industry-embedded PhD programs. This unique approach enhances the employability of research students by granting them access to the necessary expertise and resources to address real-world industry challenges. Moreover, it fosters closer collaborations between the university and industries.
Furthermore, the University has introduced the Bachelor of Renewable Energy Engineering program, aimed at equipping the future generation of energy engineers with the essential skills and experience required to excel in emerging energy economies. This program ensures that graduates are well-prepared to thrive in the evolving landscape of renewable energy, enabling them to make significant contributions to the field.
Industry collaboration
The University has established strategic collaboration agreements with notable organizations such as the Port of Newcastle. These agreements aim to drive the development of new energy opportunities, along with fostering education and innovation programs. The Port of Newcastle serves as a key strategic partner within the University’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N).
Through this partnership, the I2N assists entrepreneurs and startups in honing their enterprise skills, validating innovative concepts, and expediting the delivery of solutions to the market. By leveraging these collaborations, the University actively supports the growth and success of emerging ventures in the energy sector.
