Hydrogen: the green energy conversation that started in Macquarie Park
Following the success of Australia’s first hydrogen refueling station built by Hyundai at their Macquarie Park HQ, all eyes are on Australia’s nascent hydrogen industry.
Hyundai’s refueling station opened in Macquarie Park in 2015, kick-starting a national conversation about the benefits of green energy supply and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
In a big step forward for green energy, infrastructure company Jemena recently announced plans to produce and supply green hydrogen from a new plant in Western Sydney as soon as 2022 - including back to Macquarie Park.
And in further signs of new industry growth, State MP for Epping Dominic Perrottet today committed $3 billion in incentives to the hydrogen industry in his first major policy move as Premier of New South Wales.
Macquarie Park’s hydrogen station was acknowledged by Federal Industry and Science Minister Ian MacFarlane at the time, who said the Australian-first showed the role established companies play in bringing new ideas to market:
“Hyundai has brought its hydrogen-powered car to Australia, they have invested in a refueling station, and they aim to be part of the conversation on a national rollout strategy.”
“This level of commitment to a high-tech motoring future is the perfect melding of industry and science, delivering beneficial outcomes for the environment, jobs and a better future for all Australians.”
Hydrogen research calls Macquarie Park home
Researchers from Macquarie University’s Sustainable Energy Research Centre are also conducting trials on the emerging fuel source, including the use of cutting edge synthetic biology techniques to engineer bacteria that accelerate hydrogen production.
Associate Professor Rouzbeh Abbassi and Dr Fatemeh Salehi invite industry partners to continue the conversation on October 20, when they will host a public seminar on the threats and opportunities hydrogen presents as a sustainable energy source.
Hydrogen fuel is lightweight, allowing for long distances between refills. Hyundai’s Nexo SUV, currently available to purchase in Australia, can travel up to 650km on a single tank and only emits purified water from the exhaust pipe.
Trials of hydrogen fuel cell-powered commercial vehicles, including trucks, are already underway in both Europe and America.
