University takes another step in its efforts to deliver hydrogen innovations on a global scale
The University of Newcastle is one of more than a dozen international signatories on a new Global Partnership for Hydrogen Innovation. An official signing of the partnership agreement took place on 10 May 2023 at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
The partnership sees universities, innovation hubs and international ports from Australia, Brazil, Chile, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands commit to working together to accelerate innovation for green hydrogen.
“Shifts in energy production practices and the impacts of climate change are creating an unprecedented need for countries to rapidly transition to renewable energy,” said Professor Zee Upton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Newcastle.
“Australia is one of many nations turning to hydrogen as part of a new energy mix, and we’re collaborating with industry and government partners worldwide to drive opportunities that will make a positive difference to our regions and our world.”
“As a member of the Global Partnership for Hydrogen Innovation, we are reaffirming our commitment to sharing, scaling and supporting hydrogen innovations on a global level.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said “The University of Newcastle is absolutely committed to working with our partners to grow new industries and help accelerate innovation for green hydrogen globally and for our region. We have the innovation capabilities and the industry relationships to do this, and we’re excited to be a key partner.”
Signatories to the Global Partnership for Hydrogen Production include:
| Universities | Innovation Hubs | International Ports |
|---|---|---|
University of Newcastle | Hunter Hydrogen Technology Cluster (NEW H2) | Port of Newcastle |
Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands) | Centro de Innovación UC (Chile) | Port of Pecem (Brazil) |
Delft University of Technology (Netherlands) | Forum Oceano (Portugal) | Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands) |
Imperial College Business School (UK) | Portugal Blue Economy Cluster (Portugal) | |
Platform Zero (Netherlands) | ||
Wicked Acceleration Labs (UK) |
As an energy, research and innovation powerhouse, the Hunter region has complimentary research, infrastructure and industrial expertise to accelerate renewable hydrogen generation, storage and use.
According to Professor Upton, this marries perfectly with the model for the Global Partnership for Hydrogen Production which sees universities, innovation hubs and international ports as critical and equal drivers in building up the hydrogen sector and creating our next generation resources.
Hydrogen innovations at the University of Newcastle
Research & Development The University’s reputation in applied engineering and science is reshaping the way the world is powered. Driven by expertise within the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) and the College of Engineering, Science and Environment, its hydrogen research capabilities span hydrogen production, storage, utilisation, and cross-cutting technologies.
Innovation The University is driving clean energy innovation through its partnership with the UNSW on the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE), which aims to transform the way technology readiness, commercialisation and industry-led research is delivered to support SMEs and large industries.
Education Through initiatives like its Energy Doctoral Training Centre, the University supports industry embedded PhD programs that help improve the employability of research students, give candidates access to the expertise and resources they need to solve real industry challenges, and enhance industry-based collaborations for the University.
It has also introduced the Bachelor of Renewable Energy Engineering to give the next generation of energy engineers the skills and experience they need to thrive in new energy economies.
Industry Collaboration The University has strategic collaboration agreements in place with organisations like the Port of Newcastle to advance new energy opportunities as well as education and innovation programs. The Port of Newcastle is also a strategic partner in the University’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N), which helps entrepreneurs and startups develop enterprise skills, validate innovative ideas and accelerate solutions to market.
Related news
- Newcastle team on mission to improve childhood cancer outcomes
- Shanae’s passion for caring delivers her dream to work in health
- Food and nutrition degree serves Keren a rewarding career
- Kicking goals on and off the field, Joeli proves you can do it all
- Proving age is just a number, Arlyn wants to inspire more women in their 50s to pursue education
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.