UBC to partner with Australia’s national science agency on hydrogen innovations

The Faculty of Applied Science at the University of British Columbia will partner with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Energy, Australia’s national science agency, to develop innovations in hydrogen and other clean energy technologies. The collaboration aligns with the latest call to action from Mission Innovation — a global initiative of 23 countries and the European Commission which is working to accelerate clean energy innovation through research, development and demonstration.

Launched in May 2018, Mission Innovation’s eighth Innovation Challenge — "IC8" — has the objective 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." The large-scale use of hydrogen has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the resilience of the global energy system.

“We are thrilled to join with CSIRO in advancing the objectives of Mission Innovation’s Renewable and Clean Hydrogen Innovation Challenge,” says Dr. James Olson, dean of UBC’s Faculty of Applied Science. “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.”

IC8 is led by Australia, Germany and the European Commission, with CSIRO providing support to Australia. Together with 13 other participating countries and international organizations such as the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy, it aims to produce “breakthroughs which have a realistic prospect of underpinning commercial renewable and clean hydrogen industries (and implied target prices) within the next 5 years.”

"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," said Dr. Tim Finnigan, CSIRO Energy Director. "By working together we can pool resources and expertise, for mutually beneficial outcomes."  

The CSIRO-UBC collaboration is expected to result in enhanced research and industry partnerships between Canada and Australia on clean energy, providing opportunities for greater economic growth for both countries. The partnership will focus on sharing best practices and developing joint clean energy research and demonstration projects, including discussions on hydrogen refueling infrastructure.   

Organization Profiles

The Faculty of Applied Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC) unites researchers in health, technology, planning and design towards comprehensive solutions for healthy, livable, sustainable cities. UBC is a global centre for teaching, learning and research, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world and recently recognized as first in the world for climate action and third for sustainable cities and communities.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia's national science research agency. CSIRO Energy pioneers low-emission technologies that create value for industry and households and provide the knowledge which will help guide Australia towards a smart, secure energy future.

Contacts

UBC Applied Science Research
#5000 – 2332 Main Mall,
Vancouver, BC Canada
Phone:+1 604 822 6413
Email: research@apsc.ubc.ca


Claire Ginn
Communication Manager | Energy
Research Way, Clayton VIC 3168 Australia
Phone: +61395452575
Email: claire.ginn@csiro.au
CSIRO Energy