NSW government awards $650,000 to University of Wollongong for hydrogen pipeline safety research

The NSW government has announced a $650,000 grant to the University of Wollongong (UoW) supporting research into hydrogen pipeline safety, mentioning the university as “the only institution in Australia” capable of conducting “this type of hydrogen pipeline testing”.

According to a statement from NSW industry minister Anoulack Chanthivong (pictured) on Monday, the two-year research program will focus on “the leading cause of hydrogen pipeline failures and develop risk assessment and design tools” to combat these.

“This project sits at the intersection of our Industry Policy and Innovation Blueprint, reflecting the importance of investing in scientific research to help solve the challenges shaping the future of some of our biggest industries,” said Chanthivong.

“The University of Wollongong has produced nation-leading and globally-recognised work on hydrogen in the past and the NSW Government is excited to see UoW, in partnership with industry, pave the way for a more sustainable and innovative future.”

The state industry policy focusses on three missions: net zero and energy transition, housing, and local manufacturing.

UoW was also claimed as one of only five institutes globally able to conduct the research, which “has the potential to transform safe hydrogen transportation”.

State MP for Wollongong Paul Scully added that the Illawarra is leading the way in hydrogen R&D through projects including the hydrogen bus trial, hydrogen-powered garbage trucks and the state’s first heavy vehicle hydrogen refuelling station.

Picture: credit Anoulack Chanthivong

Further reading

The NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035: What does it actually deliver?

NSW targets $27 billion in extra investment in “innovation-intensive firms” over next decade

NSW government awards $26.2 million in clean technology grants