The State of Hydrogen – current opportunities and challenges. A perspective from the forefront of hydrogen research and development – With Central Queensland University

Exploring Clean Energy

The State of Hydrogen – current opportunities and challenges. A perspective from the forefront of hydrogen research and development – With Central Queensland University

Episode Summary: In this episode, Andy Marsland welcomes Paul Hodgson to discuss the advancements, opportunities, and challenges in the hydrogen energy sector. Paul shares his extensive experience and insights into the role of hydrogen in decarbonising Australia and the world, focusing on its applications in transportation, industry, and society.

Paul Hodgson is Executive Director Regional Futures – Energy Transitions, and Director of the Centre for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy at CQUniversity Australia. He is also Chair of Queensland Manufacturing Institute and Vice Chair of the Hydrogen Flight Alliance.

Prior to joining CQUniversity earlier last year, Paul was Interim CEO of a bid for a Scaling Green Hydrogen Cooperative Research Centre, developing a 10-year $213m research and training program with the support of 97 partners from 12 countries. Between 2017 and 2021, Paul was General Manager Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement (East Coast) for the Australian energy industry growth centre, NERA, where he led the development of a national network of regional hydrogen technology clusters.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Paul Hodgson's Background:
   • Roles at CQUniversity, Queensland Manufacturing Institute, and Hydrogen Flight Alliance.
   • Passion for regional development and sustainable energy.
2. Hydrogen's Role in Decarbonisation:
   • Hydrogen as a tool for hard-to-abate sectors.
   • Importance of decarbonising existing hydrogen production.
3. Current State of Hydrogen Projects:
   • Federal funding for low carbon liquid fuels.
   • Challenges and opportunities in the hydrogen sector.
   • The need for fewer, more collaborative projects.
4. Hydrogen in Industry:
   • Applications in ammonia production, steel industry, and refining fuels.
   • Potential for hydrogen to replace LNG and coal exports.
5. Challenges and Future Directions:
   • Importance of foundational work in safety, regulations, and community engagement.
   • The role of government and industry collaboration.
   • The need for a strong foundation to support commercial viability.
6. Research and Innovation at CQUniversity:
   • Focus on reducing hydrogen production costs.
   • Projects on raw water electrolysis and utilising excess solar energy.
   • Collaboration with international partners and other universities.
7. Global Hydrogen Landscape:
   • Australia's position and potential in the global hydrogen market.
   • Comparison with other countries' progress in hydrogen development.

Notable Quotes:

• "Hydrogen is now being seen much more sensibly as a tool in a toolkit for things that are hard to abate."
• "The world will do this with or without Australia. There are lots of competitors out there."