“Agile and industry facing:” University launches first of a kind hydrogen R&D hub

Deakin University is celebrating the official opening of its hydrogen research and demonstration centre, the Hycel Technology Hub, at its Warrnambool campus in south-western Victoria.

The first of its kind in Australia and designed for hydrogen research, demonstration, testing, and training, the Warrnambool campus Hycel Technology Hub is strategically located along a key interstate transport corridor that connects industries, communities, and resources, and is within the South West Victoria Renewable Energy Zone.

Spanning 2200m², the Hycel Technology Hub aims to facilitate the industry-led advance of hydrogen into Australia’s clean energy mix and includes purpose-built spaces for industry co-location with a focus on fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.

“Deakin is known as agile and industry facing; the Hycel Technology Hub epitomises this approach by enabling the sector to tackle key industry challenges that could unlock new domestic and global markets,” said Professor Iain Martin, Deakin University vice chancellor.

“Hycel’s total program value is more than 20 million dollars, and this investment in hydrogen and in regional Victoria demonstrates Deakin’s continued investment in our Warrnambool campus.”

The Hycel campus includes plumbed-in low- and high-pressure hydrogen to specialised laboratories and equipment such as the G400 fuel cell stack testing station, the only one of its kind in Australia.

The facility also includes a new product engineering lab, three dedicated lab bays with associated offices, and a dedicated community and multifunctional space for events, training, industry collaboration, and networking.

“Hycel brings a hands-on approach to real-world hydrogen usage,” said Professor Tiffany Walsh, Hycel director.

“We bridge university, industry and the community to help drive the clean energy transition.

“At Hycel, industry partners can leverage these unique spaces and equipment to maximise their competitiveness and create new global market opportunities. And all within the broader context of hydrogen adoption encompassing safety, regulatory, societal and workforce development considerations.”

Development of the Hycel Technology Hub was backed by $9 million from the Commonwealth government and $9 million from the state government, as well as contributions from Deakin.