Clean Fuels at UNSW

UNSW is striving to help Australia achieve its net zero targets by driving down clean fuel costs and leading the hydrogen economy.

In line with the International Energy Agency’s projections, we expect hydrogen to contribute 6% to our global emissions reduction goals. We aim to reach this by driving down the production cost of renewable hydrogen to below $2/kg, beating the equivalent fossil-based fuels to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors. By driving down the cost of local production of clean fuel, we will help position Australia as a renewable energy powerhouse, exporting green fuels and commodities. To achieve this goal, we are focused on research and development in three key areas:

• Catalysts: Developing and manufacturing new catalysts that will drive down the cost of electrolysis for cheaper clean fuels and their derivatives.
• Derivatives: Investigating alternative manufacturing pathways, including using plasma, for new and existing markets, including green commodities for renewable energy export.
• New Fuels: Exploring disruptive low carbon and low-cost fuel technology, which could displace existing supply chains.

Key initiatives

UNSW’s Particle and Catalysis Research Group leads the ARC Industrial Training Centre for the Global Hydrogen Economy (GlobH2E), which is an international consortium of research institutions, industry partners, government agencies and hydrogen start-ups. The vision for GlobH2E is to support innovative, cost-effective hydrogen technologies, combined with advanced business skills, to facilitate and support Australia’s transformation into a world-leading hydrogen powerhouse. GlobH2E will support the fledgling industry and the professionals who will lead it, through quality training and expertise.