Port of Newcastle inspires students through hydrogen challenge
Hunter Region schools race ahead with hydrogen-powered cars, fostering interest in clean energy careers and sustainability.
For the first time in the Hunter Region, high school students from five local schools will take part in the international Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP), a competition designed to develop interest in renewable energy technologies and sustainability. Supported by Port of Newcastle, the initiative involves students designing, building, and racing hydrogen-powered remote-controlled cars.
The program, led by Horizon Educational, brings together 8,000 students from 25 countries and offers participants a hands-on opportunity to learn about alternative fuels, environmental sustainability, and teamwork. Students will apply these concepts by preparing for a four-hour endurance race, with winning teams advancing to higher levels of the competition.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said the decision to bring the H2GP to the region was inspired by his visit to the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam earlier this year.
“The Port of the future will need a workforce of the future, and, by bringing internationally renowned programs like H2GP to the Hunter with the support of local schools and the University of Newcastle, we hope to inspire and nurture the next generation of clean energy engineers, designers, technicians, leaders, and thinkers,” said Mr Carmody.
Participating schools include Warners Bay High School, Rutherford Technology High School, Merewether High School, Irrawang High School, and Callaghan College Waratah Campus. Students will receive guidance from educators, industry professionals, and academics, helping them develop both technical and practical skills in clean energy fields.
Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, said the initiative is a great way to connect students with potential career paths in renewable energy.
“It’s incredibly rewarding for our academics to be involved in such a meaningful initiative. By sharing their expertise and mentoring these students, they will help demonstrate the exciting potential of a career in the clean energy sector. These early experiences can really shape a student’s trajectory and show them what’s possible,” Professor Zelinsky said.
The Hydrogen Grand Prix forms part of Port of Newcastle’s broader commitment to clean energy. The port is working towards establishing a Clean Energy Precinct, which is expected to generate $4.2 billion for the economy and create 5,800 jobs in the Hunter Region by 2040.
State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp MP, acknowledged the program’s potential to equip young people with skills relevant to the region’s energy transition. “This is a wonderful way to support our next generation of thinkers as they engage with clean energy leaders. This will provide a platform for our local students to contribute to Newcastle’s vision for a sustainable future,” he said.
