Federal Innovation Minister tours ECU Centre for Sustainable Energy and Resources

Federal Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon. Ed Husic has toured Edith Cowan University’s (ECU) School of Engineering, Centre for Sustainable Energy and Resources.

Minister Husic said the Albanese Government is eager to learn more about the renewable energy projects being developed at Australian universities, with a particular interest in ECU’s developments with hydrogen reactors for energy generation, wind turbines and 3D technologies.

School of Engineering Executive Dean Professor Paulo de Souza said he is thrilled ECU has been recognised nationally and internationally for its commitment to excellence in research and education in energy transition, particularly battery technologies, hydrogen science and advanced manufacturing.

“We aim at being an education powerhouse, forming engineers to assist Australian business, Government, and communities to provide a sustainable energy security based in innovation and creativity,” Professor de Souza said.

“We are focused on assisting business in solving one of the most pressing Australian problems: a transition to a renewable energy-based and decarbonised future.”

Minister Husic was joined by Federal Member for Pearce Tracey Roberts MP and City of Joondalup Chief Executive Officer James Pearson.

The tour was led by ECU Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Omari and the School of Engineering team including Professor Stefan Iglauer, ECU’s leader in hydrogen.

“We are developing new hydrogen production (biomass conversion and water electrolysis) and hydrogen storage (adsorption storage and geo-storage) technologies, to enable a full-scale hydrogen economy. Furthermore, we have a lot of experience with carbon capture and storage, in Australia and indeed worldwide,” Professor Iglauer said.

Minister Husic was taken through ECU’s Advanced Manufacturing Lab which is one of Western Australia’s leading facilities in 3D printing technologies and advanced additive manufacturing. Associate Professor Alex Rassau demonstrated how the GE Additive Concept Laser SLM Metal 3D printer was leading the way in the field.

Dr Asma Aziz talked the Minister through the Renewable Energy Lab which is established with a vision to drive sustainable energy solutions and conduct cutting-edge research that addresses the challenges of modern energy systems including Battery Energy Storage systems and Electric Vehicles.

Leading edge research

ECU’s Centre for Sustainable Energy and Resources is focussed on leading edge research related to sustainable energy and resources.

The Centre investigates the most challenging questions in sustainable energy production and decarbonisation. Multiple research areas are currently investigated including gas hydrates as a cleaner and vast energy resource, impact on hydrate gun hypothesis.

The School of Engineering welcomes enquiries from industry seeking solutions or collaborations in these research areas.