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Researchers from UNSW Engineering have been awarded nearly $750,000 from the federal government's  (GLODIP) to develop processes that produce green hydrogen from sunlight.

Scientia Professor Rose Amal and her team, including Dr Denny Gunawan, from UNSW’s School of Chemical Engineering, aim to establish a world-leading hub for photocatalytic solar hydrogen research, positioning Australia as a global leader in renewable energy innovation.

Converting sunlight into chemicals and fuels, such as hydrogen, is emerging as a promising solution to address intermittency and decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors.

Photocatalysis offers a direct method for transforming sunlight into solar hydrogen, eliminating the need for capital-intensive solar panels, electrolysers, and complex balance of plants. This makes photocatalysis a potentially more cost-effective approach to solar hydrogen production.

Prof. Amal and her team have now been awarded $749,600 as part of the GLODIP funding to set up a Sunlight-to-Hydrogen Research Hub, an international collaboration led by UNSW in partnership with Universiti Malaya (Malaysia), Institut Teknologi Bandung (Indonesia), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), University of Tokyo (Japan), University of Newcastle (Australia), and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (Australia).

The Australian Government’s Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund is delivered by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), in collaboration with the Australian Academy of Science, and is designed to open up a world of science and technology enterprise for Australian researchers and innovators.

By identifying and supporting strategic international science and research collaborations, the fund aims to play a pivotal role in advancing science and technology landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.

Green hydrogen hub

The new green hydrogen hub being funded will coordinate global efforts to accelerate scientific advancements and the commercialisation of photocatalytic solar hydrogen production technology, contributing to the 2050 net-zero emissions target.

The hub will foster international research and development collaborations in three key areas: Photocatalyst Discovery, System Engineering, and Techno-Economic Studies, positioning Australia as a leader in the solar hydrogen production field.

Prof. Amal said: “By fostering collaborations with international experts and institutions, the hub will drive breakthroughs in solar-to-hydrogen technologies and create opportunities for researchers and industries to engage in transformative projects.

“Utilising advanced computational tools, experimental facilities, and augmented intelligence, the hub aims to develop scalable, low-cost systems with improved efficiency, paving the way for industrial adoption and commercialisation.

“Through strategic partnerships with leading companies, the hub will help build a robust ecosystem for renewable energy innovation and accelerating commercialisation. This initiative will not only enhance Australia’s capacity in solar hydrogen technology but also create new opportunities in the growing green energy sector.

“Importantly, the hub will empower the next generation of scientists and engineers by providing targeted mentorship, training, and exchange programs. The hub is committed to building a diverse talent pipeline to drive future advancements in solar hydrogen technologies.

“By uniting global expertise and resources, this initiative represents a significant step toward turning sunlight into a clean, cost-effective energy source for Australia and the world.”

Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering CEO Kylie Walker said the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund is filling a critical need in Australian innovation, as demonstrated by the strong demand for grants under the scheme.

“Research and development teams around Australia are vying for the opportunity to work globally on important challenges. Early support from the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund will super-charge impactful international collaborations and bring new technologies closer to widespread implementation.

“Importantly, this fund is building advanced STEM skills, networks and long-term relationships across Australia and our region. Through global collaboration with key partners on advanced technology, we will highlight and promote regional capability consistent with Australia’s national interest and potential.”

Australian Academy of Science Chief Executive, Anna-Maria Arabia said stimulating international scientific collaboration in areas of national interest enables industrial and economic growth.

“Science and technology exchange plays an increasingly important role in Australia's diplomatic efforts, particularly in the current geopolitical environment. The Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund is strengthening links between Australian science and technology leaders and regional partners.”