Swinburne researchers support development of next‍-‍gen electrolysers

Swinburne University of Technology has announced that it is part of an international team developing new electrolysers to support Australia’s transition to clean energy.

Led by Swinburne University of Technology researchers Associate Professor Rosalie Hocking and Associate Professor Andrew Ang, the project aims to strengthen Australia’s capability in domestic manufacturing for renewable technologies, and to position the country as a leader in the global energy transition.

Hydrogen electrolysers enable the production of clean hydrogen from water using renewable electricity. This process provides a high-energy, low-emission alternative for sectors that are challenging to electrify, such as heavy transport and industrial processing.

By 2050, CSIRO predicts that manufacturing of the hydrogen electrolysers industry could generate $1.7 billion in revenue and 4000 jobs, plus $1.2 billion and 1000 jobs from installation services. Ang said a key part of making this a reality is reducing costs.

“The cost of manufacturing is often overlooked in new technologies despite being a critical consideration in any scalable technology,” he said. “By scaling up these cutting-edge systems, the project will contribute to the development of next-generation electrolysers that support Australia’s transition to clean energy.”

The international collaboration between Swinburne’s Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering team and Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP) in Thailand will examine innovative ways to fabricate catalyst materials and Australia’s capacity to scale those technologies.

The project aims to develop innovative copper oxide (CuO_x) and multimetal oxide catalyst systems for the production of value-added C2+ products, such as hydrocarbons and syngas, using renewable energy in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers.

By advancing catalyst design and optimising manufacturing techniques, the project addresses key challenges related to cost and scalability in the deployment of hydrogen production technologies.

Hocking said that international partnerships are essential for building Australia’s science and research capabilities.

“Employing innovative techniques like thermal spray will help position Australia as a global leader in renewable technology development,” she said.

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