Deakin University’s hydrogen research centre, Hycel, will investigate hydrogen opportunities for dairy industries in Australia and Uruguay thanks to the support of a Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR) grant.

The landmark COALAR hydrogen dairy project will be led by Hycel, Deakin’s Latin American office in Montevideo, Uruguay and delivered in partnership with Food and Fibre Great South Coast.

Located at Deakin’s Warrnambool campus, Hycel is one of Australia’s first facilities for safely testing, manufacturing, optimising and training in new hydrogen technologies.

The project combines Hycel’s hydrogen leadership with Food and Fibre Great South Coast’s agricultural networks to produce a hydrogen dairy industry feasibility study, global webinar and key message campaign.

Deakin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said the project exemplifies Deakin’s industry-led research approach and its ability to deliver impact both locally and globally.

“Deakin’s research aims to deliver lasting value to communities and industry. Hycel’s new project aptly demonstrates how we are pursuing this goal, connecting dairy industries in south-west Victoria and Uruguay to explore hydrogen opportunities that have positive economic and environmental impacts,” Professor Martin said.

Natalie Collard, Executive Officer Food and Fibre Great South Coast, said the project focuses on laying the foundations to understand hydrogen’s broad application for dairy industries so that the region can capitalise on a market estimated to be worth US$2.5 trillion by 2050.

“Hydrogen is an emerging market with enormous potential and mapping the opportunities for key industries such as dairy in these early stages means that our south-west Victorian region can be at the forefront of innovation,” Ms Collard said.

The establishment of Hycel is backed by $2 million in Commonwealth Government funding, which was announced by Education Minister and Member for Wannon the Hon Dan Tehan MP, in December 2019.