Stanwell Corporation and CQUniversity Australia have announced the appointment of Professor Jonathan Love as the inaugural Stanwell Professorial Chair of Hydrogen, marking a significant step in advancing hydrogen and renewable energy research in Queensland.
Professor Love, a globally renowned clean energy expert, will lead a team of researchers to deliver innovative solutions supporting the development of a thriving hydrogen and renewable energy industry, with a particular focus on the Gladstone region.
Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke emphasised the importance of this appointment, stating: “Renewable hydrogen can help achieve several objectives for Queensland, Australia, and our trading partners including domestic decarbonisation, economic transition, and new clean energy export markets for Australia.”
The partnership between Stanwell and CQUniversity extends beyond this appointment.
The two organisations are collaborating on the establishment of a state-of-the-art community information centre in Gladstone.
This centre, funded by the Queensland and Australian governments as part of the Stanwell-led Central Queensland Hydrogen Hub, will serve as an educational hub for the community to learn about hydrogen production and its applications.
Professor Love expressed his enthusiasm for the role, saying: “I am looking forward to working with experts from both Stanwell and CQUniversity to play a part in realising Stanwell’s ambitions and to also help drive the development and uptake of a thriving clean energy ecosystem in Gladstone and beyond.”
This initiative aligns with Queensland’s broader ambitions in the hydrogen sector.
The Gladstone region is currently home to around half of Queensland’s 50-plus registered hydrogen projects, positioning itself as a key player in the state’s renewable energy future.
The appointment of Professor Love and the establishment of the community information centre represent significant steps towards realising Queensland’s hydrogen potential.
These initiatives are expected to contribute to job creation, economic growth, and the development of a sustainable clean energy industry in the region.