World-first green hydrogen innovation wins prestigious Climate Innovation Challenge

World-first green hydrogen innovation wins prestigious Climate Innovation Challenge

South East Water and RMIT University's ground-breaking method for producing green hydrogen from solar energy and recycled water has won the 2024 Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge.

The project, co-production of green hydrogen and oxidant from direct solar radiation, earned $113,000 in Victorian Government funding after taking the top honours.

This world-first technology uses a floating modular platform to convert solar radiation and recycled water into green hydrogen and valuable oxidants like ozone and hydrogen peroxide.

The project harnesses recycled water and solar power to reduce carbon emissions, tackle energy challenges, and improve water quality.

The modular system set up in the lab. The modular system set up in the lab.

South East Water Managing Director Lara Olsen said the accolade reflects the utility’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

“We’re proud to see our innovation recognised on such a prestigious platform and we’re grateful to RMIT University for their work in delivering this submission.

“This achievement highlights the enormous potential for our industry to lead the way in addressing climate challenges.

“By transforming recycled water into clean energy and enhancing water treatment processes, this project demonstrates a real-world solution to achieving net-zero goals," Olsen said.

Project Lead Dr Li Gao, who holds joint appointments at RMIT University and South East Water, said the project demonstrates the true value of collaboration between universities and industry.

“The photocatalytic system is a scientific breakthrough, but it is only by working with industry partners such as South East Water that we are able to convert excellent research discoveries like this into real industry and community benefits,” he said.

“We’re proud to support the water industry's leadership in this space and partnering to roll this solution out more widely in future.”

Gao is Strategic Research Manager at South East Water and ARC Industry Fellow at RMIT in the School of Science.

South East Water and RMIT University plan to develop the technology for future full-scale rollout across Victorian water utilities.

The latest $113,000 in funding – along with $120,000 from South East Water and $130,000 from RMIT University – will fund development of a small-scale prototype to bring the technology to life.

The floating hydrogen production system is designed to be scalable and adaptable, making it suitable for reservoirs, lagoons, and other water bodies.

Now in its second year, the Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge is a collaboration between the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, the Intelligent Water Networks and the Minister for Water to promote innovation in the water sector.

 

Story: Rowan Forster and Michael Quin

11 December 2024

Share

Return to RMIT News
11 December 2024

Share

  • Awards
  • Research
  • Industry
  • Science and technology
  • Sustainability
Engage

Related News

news-clear-water-1220px.jpg

New wastewater tech tackles fatbergs at the source

A new wastewater treatment system developed by RMIT University researchers could help prevent fatbergs – solid masses of fat, oil and grease (FOG) that clog sewers and cost water utilities globally billions to remove each year.

news-wound-monitor-close-1220px.jpg

Smart wound monitor poised to improve chronic infection care

Researchers from RMIT University have developed a wearable wound monitoring device with integrated sensors that could reduce infection risks by minimising the need for frequent physical contact.

vicki-kane-diploma-of-it-1220x732.jpg

Free Diploma of IT continuing with future-ready skills in 2025

RMIT’s free Diploma of Information Technology for women and gender diverse students across Victoria will continue in 2025, supported by the Australian Government.

Gita Kamath, Dr Pak Edi Prio Pambudi, Ritchie Glen, Marco Bardelli, Mish Eastman

RMIT strengthens ties in Indonesia to upskill workforce in cyber resilience

RMIT University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Infinite Learning and Innova8 to deliver cyber safety and resilience training programs for Indonesia's workforce development.

Show more
aboriginal flag float-start torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information