The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has entered an agreement with a Canadian university to accelerate the development of clean hydrogen technologies.
The partnership with the University of British Columbia (UBC) is in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding aligned with Mission Innovation, a global initiative of 23 countries and the European Commission to accelerate clean energy innovation through research, development and demonstration.
Launched in May 2018, Mission Innovation’s eighth Innovation Challenge has the objective of accelerating the development of a global hydrogen market.
CSIRO’s collaboration with UBC is aimed at enhancing research and industry partnerships between Canada and Australia on clean energy, providing opportunities for greater economic growth for both countries.
Energy Director at CSIRO, Tim Finnigan said the partners would share best practices and develop joint clean energy research and demonstration projects, including hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
“Hydrogen has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the resilience of the global energy system, and could be a major clean energy commodity for Australia in years to come,” Dr Finnigan said.
“CSIRO is conducting hydrogen research along the entire value chain, and we look forward to collaborating with UBC to help facilitate demonstrations that will clear the path to market for new technologies.”
Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science at UBC, James Olson said the university was thrilled to join CSIRO in advancing the objectives of Mission Innovation’s Renewable and Clean Hydrogen Innovation Challenge.
“UBC has long been a leader in hydrogen fuel cell-related research and development in Canada, and we are eager to draw on our vast expertise in hydrogen production, storage, distribution and use to help pave the way to a cleaner future,” Mr Olson said.
