Queensland gets closer to Japan in green energy R&D

The Queensland government has announced two new collaborations that link the state’s green energy plans more closely to Japanese research and demonstration capabilities.

The government announced that the University of Queensland and the University of Tokyo had signed another Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand on 25 years of collaborative research.

And it revealed that a 12 metre hydrogen fuel cell powered boat built by Osaka diesel engine, heavy machinery and agricultural machinery manufacturer Yanmar (pictured) would be demonstrated in the Port of Brisbane in 2024.

The new MOU has broadened the scope of collaboration between Japan and Queensland to renewable energy industries, particularly hydrogen and biofuel.

The extended MOU signed on Friday will initially focus on collaboration between University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) and UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.

The collaboration is expected to lead to larger-scale research, demonstration, and social implementation projects.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said: “This important research partnership provides invaluable support to reach our renewable energy goals.

“Expanding the scope of the MOU to bioengineering and nanotechnology will further advance the state’s capabilities to process new sustainable fuel sources.”

Meanwhile also on Friday Yanmar announced it would demonstrate its 12-metre-long hydrogen cruiser in Brisbane in August next year.

The vessel will be powered by renewable hydrogen produced at state-owned corporation CS Energy’s Kogan Renewable Hydrogen Demonstration Plant.

Yanmar toured marine and shipyard design facilities at the Port of Brisbane earlier this month and are in discussion with local boat manufacturers.

The company is also developing a 300kW class marine hydrogen fuel cell system that can be mounted on various types of ship, aiming to bring it to market in 2023.

Picture: Yanmar’s demonstration hydrogen fuel cell vessel