UNSW Leads Global Effort in Green Hydrogen Innovation
Key Ideas
- UNSW Engineering secures $750,000 funding to develop green hydrogen production processes using sunlight.
- Prof. Amal and team aim to establish a world-leading research hub for photocatalytic solar hydrogen, positioning Australia as a global renewable energy innovator.
- The funding will support international collaboration with top universities to drive advancements, commercialization, and talent development in solar hydrogen technology.
- The initiative signals a significant step towards leveraging global expertise to transition sunlight into a sustainable energy source for the future.
Researchers from UNSW Engineering have received nearly $750,000 in funding from the Global Science & Technology Diplomacy Fund to pioneer the development of green hydrogen from sunlight. Led by Scientia Professor Rose Amal, the team at UNSW's School of Chemical Engineering aims to create a world-leading hub for photocatalytic solar hydrogen research, positioning Australia as a frontrunner in renewable energy innovation.
The project focuses on converting sunlight into chemicals and fuels like hydrogen to address issues of intermittency and decarbonize challenging sectors. By eliminating the need for traditional solar panels and complex equipment, photocatalysis emerges as a cost-effective approach to solar hydrogen production.
In collaboration with international partners from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, and within Australia, the Sunlight-to-Hydrogen Research Hub will drive scientific progress and technology commercialization. The initiative will concentrate on three main areas: Photocatalyst Discovery, System Engineering, and Techno-Economic Studies, aiming to boost Australia's prominence in solar hydrogen production.
Through partnerships with global experts and companies, the hub plans to develop scalable and efficient systems for industrial adoption. Additionally, it will provide mentorship and training programs to nurture the next generation of scientists and engineers. The project not only enhances Australia's solar hydrogen capabilities but also opens doors for growth in the green energy sector.
The Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund, administered by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, is driving impactful international collaborations to propel new technologies closer to implementation. By fostering advanced STEM skills, networks, and relationships, the fund is promoting Australia's national interests and potential in the renewable energy domain. This initiative signifies a significant stride towards harnessing global resources to transition sunlight into a sustainable energy source for Australia and beyond.
Topics
Projects
Renewable Energy
Research Collaboration
STEM Skills
International Partnerships
Photocatalysis
Innovation Hub
Global Science
Technology Diplomacy
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