In late November, HVIA visited the new Hycel hydrogen technology hub, operated at the Warrnambool campus of Deakin University.
Hycel aims to be an industry informed and led regional hub advancing Australia’s clean energy transition. It seeks to connect Deakin’s hydrogen research and education capability with industry, government and community partners. Hydrogen technology adoption, materials and manufacturing, education, and social license are its areas of focus.
Adam Ritzinger, HVIA’s Chief Technical Officer, and Michael Rose, HVIA’s National Manager for Skills, Training and Workforce Development, were hosted by Loren Tuck, Coordinator Education, Training and Industry at Hycel, and Danny Bernstein, Hycel’s Research and Operations Manager.
Greg Mitchell, Head of Clean Economy Initiatives at Bendigo Kangan Institute, also joined the group.
All were impressed by the hub’s industry focus and commitment to advancing research in the next generation of decarbonisation technologies right here in Australia.
Left-Right: Loren Tuck, Greg Mitchell, Michael Rose, Danny Bernstein and Adam Ritzinger
“I strongly encourage any HVIA member interested in hearing about the hub’s capabilities and offering to reach out to either Danny or Loren,” Adam says.
“While the facility is only just gearing up, it has several areas that cater specifically for the heavy vehicle industry, including a dedicated workshop with a full-length service pit.”
The Deakin team, in conjunction with Engineering Education Australia (EEA), has also recently developed a suite of hydrogen-focused ‘micro-credentials’, which aim to upskill the engineering workforce to safely and efficiently deliver hydrogen projects.
“Often, change starts with people, and programs like these are a great way to educate the workforce and further fuel the decarbonisation transition”, Michael says.
“We’re very pleased to have been offered the chance to review the courses as part of the pilot program and will share our findings with members in due course.”
For further information, members can visit Hycel’s website or contact Hycel at hycel@deakin.edu.au.