Newcastle visit confirms region's research stature as NSW and Tokyo sign hydrogen MOU
This landmark agreement, signed during the official visit of Her Excellency Ms Koike Yuriko, Governor of Tokyo, to NSW, sees the signatories poised to lead the transition to a hydrogen-powered economy, driving innovation, and creating new economic opportunities
New South Wales and Tokyo have taken a decisive step towards advancing their collaboration in the energy sector with the signing of a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) centered on hydrogen. This MOU underscores the commitment of both signatories to explore innovative solutions in the energy sector, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration in the field of hydrogen technology.
Governor of Tokyo Yuriko Koike addressed both houses of the NSW parliament, marking four decades since the sister-state agreement was forged in 1984. This historic occasion not only reaffirms the enduring bond between NSW and Tokyo but also underscores the shared commitment to collaboration and partnership in addressing the pressing challenges of working toward net-zero.
Accompanied by University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Alex Zelinsky, Governer Koike, also embarked on a tour of the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources. Here, Director of the Centre for Innovative Energy Technologies Laureate Professor Behdad Moghtaderi discussed hydrogen research with Governor Koike, who viewed several relevant technologies, including an atmospheric water generator (AWG) developed at the University called The Hydro Harvester.
Governor Koike's also visited the Aero Logistics heliport in Newcastle, from where she taken for a helicopter tour of the Port of Newcastle. The Port of Newcastle Green Hydrogen Project shortlisted for funding from the national Hydrogen Headstart program, and as the shipping gateway to NSW, could serve as a focal point for hydrogen export.
Highlighting the importance of the hydrogen MoU, Premier Chris Minns emphasized its potential to drive innovation and propel both NSW and Tokyo to the forefront of the burgeoning hydrogen economy.
"Hydrogen presents an opportunity for sustainable energy production and consumption," Minns noted.
"By partnering with Tokyo, a leader in technological innovation, we aim to leverage our collective expertise to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen technologies and drive meaningful progress towards our shared climate goals."
