Professor John Zhu awarded prestigious ARC Industry Laureate Fellowship to drive innovation in hydrogen technology
With global industries increasingly turning to green hydrogen as a critical solution for decarbonisation, Professor John Zhu from UQ School of Chemical Engineering has been awarded a prestigious Australian Research Council (ARC) Industry Laureate Fellowship to help position Australia as a world leader in clean hydrogen technology.
Professor Zhu is one of only eight recipients nationally to receive the highly competitive fellowship this year, securing over $4 million to advance water electrolysis technologies powered by renewable energy - the cleanest known method of hydrogen production.
His research aims to revolutionise the development of next-generation solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). These advanced systems promise both high efficiency and long-term durability, overcoming major limitations of existing electrolysis technologies.
The project focuses on key challenges in proton-conductive solid oxide electrolysis cells (P-SOECs). By developing novel materials, electrode and electrolyte designs, and a commercial-ready P-SOEC stack module, Professor Zhu’s team aims to deliver breakthrough innovations that can be rapidly adopted by industry.
The fellowship is supported by industry partners, Direct Energy Holdings Pty Ltd and Hydrogen Solutions Ltd, who will work closely with Professor Zhu to translate research into practical solutions that benefit Australian industry.
“The success of this program will help local industry partners become globally competitive in hydrogen production technologies and strengthen Australia’s position as a leading exporter of clean hydrogen,” Professor Zhu said.
This award recognises Professor Zhu’s outstanding contributions to sustainable energy research and underscores UQ’s commitment to driving innovation through strong industry collaboration.
