CSIRO and the University of British Columbia (UBS) have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aligned with the latest call to action from Mission Innovation, a global initiative of 23 countries and the European Commission working to accelerate clean energy innovation through research, development and demonstration.
Launched just over a year ago, Mission Innovation’s eighth Innovation Challenge aims to: “accelerate the development of a global hydrogen market by identifying and overcoming key technology barriers to the production, distribution, storage, and use of hydrogen at gigawatt scale”.
Under the MoU, CSIRO and UBC will work together to enhance research and industry partnerships between Canada and Australia on clean energy, providing opportunities for greater economic growth for both countries.
The collaboration will allow partners to share best practices and develop joint clean energy research and demonstration projects, including hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
CSIRO Energy Director Dr Tim Finnigan said the two organisations will work to unlock the potential of hydrogen as a major clean energy commodity that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the resilience of the global energy system.
“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,” Dr Tim Finnigan said.
“By working together we can pool resources and expertise for mutually beneficial outcomes.”
UBC Faculty of Applied Science Dean James Olson said the partnership with CSIRO is poised to advance 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 added.
