New Hydrogen Research Platform
Key points
- CQUniversity is establishing a liquid hydrogen research and testing platform in Gladstone with support from the Future Energy Exports CRC and research partners.
- The facility will allow researchers to investigate the full hydrogen pathway, from production through to liquefaction, storage, transfer and power generation.
- A major milestone is expected in early 2027 when researchers aim to liquefy hydrogen for the first time at the Gladstone facility.
- The platform will support research into future applications including hydrogen storage materials, boil-off gas recovery, magnetic refrigeration, safety systems and hydrogen-electric aviation.
Our Research
Challenge
Hydrogen is expected to play an important role in future low-emission energy systems, but significant challenges remain in how it is stored, transported and used efficiently.
While hydrogen can be produced as a gas, converting it into liquid hydrogen allows much larger quantities to be stored and transported. However, hydrogen must be cooled to extremely low temperatures, around -253°C, creating technical and engineering challenges.
Research into hydrogen technologies is often carried out in separate areas, making it difficult to understand how complete hydrogen systems perform under real-world conditions.
CQUniversity identified the need for a research capability that brings together every stage of the hydrogen journey in a single integrated environment.
Solution
CQUniversity is establishing a liquid hydrogen research and testing platform in Gladstone that will enable researchers to investigate hydrogen technologies as a connected system.
The facility will support research across:
- Hydrogen production
- Hydrogen liquefaction
- Liquid hydrogen storage and transfer
- Hydrogen safety and sensing technologies
- Cryogenic materials testing
- Advanced cooling technologies
- Hydrogen fuel cells and electricity generation
Researchers will combine physical experiments with advanced computer modelling and digital simulation tools to better understand how hydrogen systems perform under a range of operating conditions.
The platform will enable materials, sensors and specialised equipment to be tested at extremely low temperatures while providing valuable data to support future industry applications.
One of the first major projects will investigate liquid hydrogen cooling systems for high-temperature superconducting magnets, a technology with potential applications in future hydrogen-electric aviation and future hydrogen magnetic refrigeration.
Impact
Advancing Australia's hydrogen industry
The facility will help develop the knowledge, technologies and engineering expertise required to support Australia's emerging hydrogen sector.
By studying hydrogen production, liquefaction, storage and utilisation in one location, researchers will be able to identify opportunities to improve performance, efficiency and safety.
Strengthening regional research capability
The project positions Gladstone as a growing centre for hydrogen research and innovation.
The facility will create new opportunities for collaboration between universities, industry partners and government organisations while attracting future research projects and investment to the region.
Supporting future clean energy technologies
The research will contribute to the development of technologies that could support future industries, including hydrogen-powered transport, advanced manufacturing and clean energy generation.
Building workforce skills
The project will provide valuable training opportunities for researchers and students, helping develop the specialist skills needed to support future hydrogen industries in Australia.
Creating long-term innovation
The platform has been designed for flexibility, allowing future research into materials, sensors, cooling systems and other emerging technologies that require operation at liquid hydrogen temperatures.
As the capability grows, it is expected to generate new knowledge, support industry innovation and create pathways for future commercial applications.
CQUniversity Centre for Sustainable Energy leader in Industrial Decarbonisation and Energy Infrastructure and project lead Dr Saif Al Ghafri said the facility would strengthen Gladstone's growing reputation as a hub for hydrogen innovation.
"Hydrogen has the potential to play an important role in Australia's future energy mix, but there is still work to be done to improve how it is stored, transported and used," Dr Al Ghafri said.
"This facility will give researchers the tools to test new technologies, solve engineering challenges and support the development of future hydrogen industries."
Centre for Sustainable Energy Director Professor Jonathan Love said the project would help build the knowledge and capability needed to support Australia's emerging hydrogen industry.
"Hydrogen has enormous potential as a future renewable critical molecule for the chemical, metal, minerals and clean energy industries, but unlocking that potential requires ongoing research, testing and innovation," Prof Love said.
"This facility will give CQUniversity a unique capability to investigate how hydrogen can be liquefied, stored, transported and used, all within one integrated research environment."
"By developing this expertise in Gladstone, we're helping build the knowledge, skills and partnerships needed to support industrial decarbonisation and hydrogen energy infrastructure."
Researchers are currently focused on detailed design, engineering and simulation activities, with a key milestone expected in early 2027 when the team aims to successfully convert hydrogen gas into liquid hydrogen for the first time at the Gladstone facility.
By bringing these capabilities together in one location, the facility will support innovation, attract research partnerships, support workforce development and help build knowledge that could contribute to Australia's emerging hydrogen industry.
Lead Researcher - Dr Saif Al Ghafri
Research Centre - Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), CQUniversity
Partners
The project is supported through collaboration between:
- Future Energy Exports CRC
- Queensland Government
- Queensland University of Technology
- The University of Western Australia
- Swinburne University of Technology
- Fabrum Solutions
- HTS-110
- CSIRO Industry PhD Program
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