Queensland’s state-owned Stanwell Corporation and CQUniversity Australia have jointly appointed a dedicated Professorial Research Chair.
According to Stanwell, this strategic partnership will support the development of a thriving hydrogen and renewable energy industry, with a specific focus on the Gladstone region.
CQUniversity’s globally renowned clean energy expert, Professor Jonathan Love, has been appointed as the Stanwell Professorial Chair in Hydrogen.
Stanwell said that with over 30 years of expertise in developing technologies for renewable energy systems, Professor Love will provide academic, research, and strategic leadership to initiate, develop, and steer a team of researchers.
Their goal is to deliver knowledge and innovation that will drive the growth of the hydrogen and renewable energy industry in Queensland.
Stanwell Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Rourke said renewable hydrogen will play a crucial role in the transformational change underway in Queensland’s energy sector towards a clean energy future.
“Renewable hydrogen can help achieve several objectives for Queensland, Australia, and our trading partners, including domestic decarbonisation, economic transition, and new clean energy export markets for Australia,” O’Rourke said.
CQUniversity’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Nick Klomp, thanked Stanwell for their vision and commitment to regional Queensland and clean energy industry.
“The Stanwell Professorial Chair in Hydrogen is a new role that will work right across Queensland (especially right here in Central Queensland) to oversee research and development opportunities related to all aspects of the emerging hydrogen industry including technology, manufacturing processes, commercialisation, export, workforce development and education and training,” Klomp said.
“He will also work directly with Stanwell to help them realise their hydrogen and renewables ambitions by delivering a tailored research and workforce development program.
“This partnership is a great example of two outstanding Queensland organisations working together to benefit the regions and create new and exciting opportunities to boost sustainability, the economy, and our communities. I thank Stanwell for their vision and investment in this new role and in our regions and I welcome Professor Love to the team.”
Love said he will work with industry partners and clean energy researchers across Queensland and is looking forward to building strong industry partnerships and further building CQUniversity’s credentials in hydrogen and renewable energy research and development.
“There are already so many exciting projects happening in the region, and I believe we have a real opportunity to establish a brand-new industry, create jobs and deliver a lasting legacy of economic growth through clean, reliable energy,” he said.
For more renewable and solar news, subscribe to ecogeneration.