Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick has welcomed the extension of a significant research collaboration between the University of Queensland and the University of Tokyo on the opening day of his trade mission to Japan and Europe.
In a media statement, the government said the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) builds upon 25 years of joint research and focuses on Queensland’s renewable energy sectors, particularly hydrogen and biofuels.
The updated MOU also prioritises collaboration between the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) and the University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.
Their combined efforts are expected to lead to more extensive research, demonstration projects, and social implementation initiatives.
RCAST, led by Professor Masakazu Sugiyama, has played a crucial role in Queensland’s hydrogen industry development.
Dr Sugiyama was appointed Queensland’s hydrogen envoy to Japan in 2019, a role that significantly contributed to the growth of Queensland’s hydrogen sector.
Treasurer Cameron Dick commented on the partnership’s importance, highlighting Queensland’s ambitious goal to achieve 80% renewable energy by 2035.
“To reach this target, the Palaszczuk Government’s budget includes a $19 billion capital investment over the next four years to deliver the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
He also noted that the research collaboration is seen as a crucial step in reaching these renewable energy targets.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Esteban Marcellin Saldana, principal research fellow at UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), emphasised the significance of this partnership as Queensland rapidly transitions toward a low-carbon economy.
“At the AIBN, our activity exploring the role of synthetic biology in advancing the biomanufacturing sector is just one of the many areas in which we look forward to collaborating with RCAST.”
Tak Adachi, Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner for Japan, highlighted the synergies between the two institutions and the potential for ongoing investment and information exchange between Japan and Queensland in the renewable energy sector.
“Japan and Queensland have much to offer each other as it relates to our shared renewable energy future and we are working daily to identify opportunities for ongoing investment and information exchange,” Adachi stated.
