Minister for Education Dan Tehan said world-leading hydrogen research would be taking place in Wannon as he turned the first sod on the construction of a hydrogen research facility at Deakin University.
“The Hydrogen Training Testbed at the Hycel Technology Hub in Victoria will enable Deakin University to increase the industry application of hydrogen research,” Mr Tehan said.
“The Government committed $2 million over two years to the Hycel Technology Hub to support research and education in regional Australia, and to develop our hydrogen research capabilities.
“The work will increase efficiency in hydrogen production, storage and use, which will positively impact Australia’s energy industry.
“The project is consistent with the National Hydrogen Strategy and is an outstanding example of the benefits of strong links between industry and universities.
“It involves research collaboration between government, higher education and industry partners, including the City of Warrnambool and Australian Pipelines and Gas Association and Energy Networks Association, and is part of our Government’s plan to invest in ideas and innovation in areas of national interest to help power Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
“This investment in research will complement the additional $1 billion for university research and $157 million for research infrastructure announced in the 2020 Budget.”
The facility will work alongside a Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre project investigating hydrogen compatibility in the reticulated gas network, one of the first steps to transition Deakin’s Warrnambool campus to 100 per cent hydrogen. The research will support the wider transition of existing natural gas networks for homes and businesses to hydrogen.
Earlier this year, the Government also committed $300 million to establish the Advancing Hydrogen Fund to support the growth of a clean, innovative, competitive and safe Australian hydrogen industry.
