Applications have opened for a new $20,000 research scholarship for Master of Energy Change students at The Australian National University to study the emerging hydrogen economy, a field which could play a crucial future role in the global energy transition.

The scholarship, funded by Global Power Generation Australia (GPGA), is part of the leading renewable energy company’s 20-year investment at the ANU worth $1.5 million that was announced in February.

“This is a really exciting time to be researching the hydrogen economy in Australia,” ANU Energy Change Institute Director, Professor Ken Baldwin, said.

“Around the world we’re seeing more funding and trials that are trying to answer the question of whether or not hydrogen is the 'missing link' between renewable energy, like solar and wind, and industries that have yet to find a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

“We’re grateful for GPGA’s long-term commitment to the Institute and to our students. It’s another example of the strong relationships between the ANU and industry, which results in knowledge, research and development that has helped Canberra become the leading place to research Australia’s energy transition.”

Many national and international renewables companies, including GPGA, have their national offices in Canberra, many within walking distance of the ANU campus.

The GPGA funding will support a $20,000 scholarship for a Master of Energy Change student to undertake research on hydrogen each year – plus $5,000 for research support.

Another $50,000 annually will support the ECI’s research and education programs on the hydrogen economy.

Dr Igor Skryabin, convenor of the Institute’s research cluster on the Hydrogen Economy, said it was another example of ANU collaborating with Canberra-based businesses on renewable energy.

“This important funding from GPGA will boost local expertise and innovation in this vital area of the global energy transition,” Dr Skryabin said.

Speaking at the funding announcement in February, David Santo Tomas from GPGA said his company believed the grant was “important to support the development of local research and expertise in the hydrogen sector, and forms a key part of our commitment to the region that started in August 2016”.

For more information, see the ECI’s scholarships page.