Australia’s first hydrogen research and testing facility opens at Deakin University
The Hycel Hydrogen Technology Hub, now operational at Deakin University in Warrnambool, will advance hydrogen fuel cell research and boost Australia’s hydrogen sector.
Deakin University’s Warrnambool campus is now home to Australia’s first purpose-built hydrogen research, testing, and training facility. The 4.5-hectare Hycel Hydrogen Technology Hub, which was supported by $18 million in joint funding from the Victorian and Commonwealth governments, will play a key role in developing hydrogen technologies, particularly in the transport and heavy vehicle sectors.
The facility includes specialised laboratories, offices, and a community space, and will allow for the testing and development of hydrogen fuel cells for vehicles such as trucks, trains, and boats. These fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity, which can power vehicles or provide stationary applications like heating or generating electricity for homes and businesses.
Located within a Victorian Renewable Energy Zone and along an important interstate transport corridor, the Hub is positioned to support industry collaboration. Deakin University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Iain Martin, highlighted the role of the university’s practical approach to industry challenges. “Deakin is known as agile and industry facing; the Hycel Technology Hub epitomises this approach by enabling the sector to tackle key industry challenges that could unlock new domestic and global markets,” he said.
The Hub also aims to support workforce development, providing hands-on training to equip future workers with the skills necessary to advance hydrogen technologies. This is part of the Victorian Government’s broader effort to decarbonise energy-intensive sectors such as transport, aviation, shipping, and high-heat industries. The Victorian Government will also release its Renewable Gas Directions Paper later this year to further guide the state’s renewable hydrogen agenda.
The new facility features a product engineering development lab, three laboratory bays, and the only G400 fuel cell stack testing station in Australia. It also includes plumbed-in low- and high-pressure hydrogen for safe, comprehensive testing and training purposes. Hycel’s Director, Professor Tiffany Walsh, stressed the importance of the hub’s practical focus. "Hycel brings a hands-on approach to real-world hydrogen usage. We bridge university, industry and the community to help drive the clean energy transition," she said.
Construction of the facility began in 2022. In addition to the $9 million Victorian and $9 million Commonwealth government contributions, Deakin University also invested $5 million into the project.
