CQUniversity welcomes CQ hydrogen hub deal
CQUniversity has this week hosted Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen MP as he announced an agreement to invest $69.2 million to develop the Central Queensland Hydrogen Hub in Gladstone.
It follows the recent agreements struck by the Albanese Government for hydrogen hub investments in the Hunter Valley and SA’s Spencer Gulf.
The Hub in Central Queensland is being led by a consortium of partners, of which CQUniversity is a member.
The consortium will be led by the Stanwell Corporation, with industry matching the Commonwealth’s contribution – bringing total investment to at least $138 million.
This investment will build infrastructure including a hydrogen electrolyser, pipeline and underground hydrogen storage. The Hub infrastructure will help support hydrogen production and use in Australia and overseas.
Construction on the Hub will commence early next year, with the project operational in mid-2027.
Once established it will create over 8,900 jobs including roles in construction, trades and engineering and has the potential to produce up to 292,000 tonnes of hydrogen a year by 2031.
As part of its role within the consortium, CQUniversity will partner with government and industry to support the Hydrogen Hub and will play a key role in delivering a Hydrogen Centre for Excellence, boosting future education and training in clean energy.
CQUniversity’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp said the University would work directly with industry and community to deliver research that will support industry development and inform the delivery of future education and training offerings within the hydrogen and renewables sector.
“CQUniversity is proud to partner with government and industry to support the CQ Hydrogen Hub and looks forward to playing a key role in delivering a Hydrogen Centre for Excellence," Professor Klomp said.
“CQUniversity has already established a Hydrogen and Renewable Energies Centre to meet future challenges and we have a dual focus on very practical hands-on research and training.
“The commitment from the Commonwealth and from the partners is not just an investment in industry but also an investment in the region’s broader capacity to support an emerging clean energy industry.
“When it comes to renewables the future is incredibly exciting for Gladstone and the wider Central Queensland region and I believe this community is primed to support and grow this industry."
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said Central Queensland was an energy export powerhouse and had helped keep the lights on for decades, and as global markets shift, it can reap the benefits of new industries like hydrogen too.
“Gladstone has strong foundations to host a thriving hydrogen industry, creating thousands of local jobs and position Australia as a renewable energy superpower.
“Renewable hydrogen will play a big role in our path to net zero, helping cut emissions in hard-to-abate sectors, and the manufacturing of green metals and other products the world needs.”
Queensland Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said this was a critical time for Queensland, as new industries emerge at rates not seen since the industrial revolution, driving growth and prosperity in the regions.
“We know Queensland hydrogen is a global game-changer in slashing carbon emissions in hard-to-abate sectors, including major industry, heavy haulage, shipping and aviation, while fast-tracking new industries and jobs.
“Thanks to Queensland’s combination of abundant natural resources and clear policy framework supporting green hydrogen, it’s estimated the industry will be worth $33 billion by 2040, boosting our economy, supporting jobs and helping decarbonise the world.”
