Federation University, in partnership with Australian Carbon Innovation, will analyse hydrogen production quality and performance of the gasification and refining plant in the Latrobe Valley as part of the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) Pilot.
The Hydrogen Production Evaluation Research Project will be delivered by researchers from Federation University’s Carbon Technology Centre who will work closely with J-POWER Latrobe Valley, which is designing, building and operating the hydrogen production facility.
Federation University Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Chris Hutchison said the partnership, “illustrates how Federation University’s regional campuses are ideally placed to support the growth of new Industries that will provide high value local employment for years to come”.
Researchers will assess samples of hydrogen produced from the pilot project, examine by-product composition, production efficiency and energy usage. Their analysis will help inform decision making on commercialising the HESC Project.
Australian Carbon Innovation Chief Executive Officer, Brian Davey, said: “This agreement is recognition that regional centres of higher learning such as Federation University, are able to provide world class research services to international companies that will help Gippsland transition to sustainable and low emission fuels for the future.”
Federation University and Australian Carbon Innovation’s work will build expertise and skills for a hydrogen future, a future with potential employment and economic development benefits to the local region and the nation.
“The HESC project offers a real opportunity for Latrobe Valley research agencies, universities, and technical firms to engage with and build knowledge and capacity in clean hydrogen production,” said Non-Executive Director of J-POWER LV, Jeremy Stone.
“A commercial-scale HESC Project would bring more innovation, technology and jobs as the region transition to a clean energy future.”