Australia’s first Hydrogen Hub, the Hycel Technology Hub, has officially opened at Deakin University’s Warrnambool campus.
The facility is set to drive hydrogen research, demonstration, testing, and training, contributing to Australia’s clean energy future, the university said in a news release.
The launch event saw the attendance of several notable figures, including Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources, Dan Teehan, Federal Member for Wannon, and Jacinta Ermacora, State Member for Western Victoria.
The hub’s strategic location at Deakin Warrnambool, situated within a Victorian Renewable Energy Zone, positions it as a key player in the hydrogen sector.
Deakin University Vice Chancellor, Professor Iain Martin, praised the initiative, saying, “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.”
The 2200m² facility, valued at over $20 million, is purpose-built for industry collaboration, focusing on fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.
It offers cutting-edge equipment, including Australia’s only G400 fuel cell stack testing station. Fuel cells convert hydrogen gas into electricity to power vehicles, aircraft, marine vessels, and even generators.
“Hycel brings a hands-on approach to real-world hydrogen usage,” said Hycel Director, Professor Tiffany Walsh. “We bridge university, industry, and the community to help drive the clean energy transition.”
The hub, designed to facilitate the safe, commercially viable adoption of hydrogen, also offers dedicated spaces for events, training, and industry networking. Its community-centric approach ensures that it plays a pivotal role in workforce development and regulatory and safety considerations for the hydrogen industry.
Professor Walsh said, “At Hycel, industry partners can leverage these unique spaces and equipment to maximise their competitiveness and create new global market opportunities.”
The Hycel Technology Hub received $9 million in funding from the Commonwealth Government, and $9 million from the Victorian State Government, along with additional contributions from Deakin University.