New Zealand (Commonwealth Union) – Green hydrogen technology has been a key area of interest in recent years with decarbonization efforts underway. However, the recent conditions imposed on farmers in certain countries have led to mass protests over fears that farmers may go out of business and the effectiveness of the measures imposed on those farmers have been questioned.
The University of Canterbury (UC) and University of Otago researchers have joined hands to head a project for green hydrogen integration, paving the way for economical green hydrogen production, hydrogen storage, who are keen to share the information with the next generation. Every single one of the 3 projects received $2 million (approximately 1.1 million US dollars) in funding from the MBIE Catalyst fund, New Zealand-Germany Green Hydrogen Research Programme.
The researchers have collaborated with a Ōtautahi Christchurch firm, Fabrum which is a global leader in end-to-end technology solutions catering to the liquid hydrogen industry. They have items such as membrane-free electrolysers, cryogenic storage vessels, high-speed dispensers as well as liquefier solutions. The team’s collaboration hopes to bring about the required skills and knowledge across the pathways that further the ability for learners to interact with all areas of renewable energy, that includes hydrogen in its multiple facets.
Heading research to bring economical green hydrogen production, UC Chemical and Process Engineering Professor Aaron Marshall, stated that the team is making the projects a platform to engage with the younger generation by developing STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities to bring in green hydrogen. “We’re hoping to inspire young people to see we could create unique solutions for energy applications in Aotearoa New Zealand. We don’t necessarily need to be a buyer of technology because we can develop it here and I believe that’s important for younger people to know that,” he said.
