Funded by a $2m grant from the Federal Government and lead by Deakin University, along with vehicle manufacturer Kenworth, and the City of Warrnambool, the new centre will focus on the transportation sector, testing how fuel cells can work alongside electric vehicle technologies.
“The centre will partner with industry to apply Deakin University’s world-leading capabilities to solve one of our toughest transport issues: how to fuel the world’s trucking industries in a low carbon future,” said Professor Iain Martin, Deakin University’s Vice-Chancellor.
“The Federal Government investment will see our researchers partner with Australia’s leading trucking manufacture, Kenworth, as well as with industry leaders in hydrogen fuel cells, electric vehicles and gas distribution.”
“If successful, the enhanced technologies could be used by Kenworth trucks made here in Australia, as well as those made internationally by Kenworth’s parent company PACCAR – a US Fortune 500 company.”
“The technologies can also be applied to other heavy vehicles, such as buses, including those operated by Warrnambool Bus Lines.”
When the initial phase of the project is complete, Deakin University will work to establish a 4.5-hectare hydrogen precinct site that will support fuel cell manufacturing, gas pipeline testing and the development of safety and standards protocols.
Minister for Education Dan Tehan has said the project will position Warrnambool, and the region, as a national leader in hydrogen energy research and commercialisation.
“This hub will help supply green energy at a competitive price to meet the needs of the community and power the region’s industry, transport and energy markets,” said Dan Tehan, Minister for Education.
The centre suitably follows the city of Warrnambool’s status as an emerging renewable energy hot spot and also supports the City Council’s ambitions of achieving a carbon neutral status by 2040.
