Port of Newcastle has opened the doors for students from the Hunter Region to compete in a global competition and will support students from five local high schools in competing in the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP).
The H2GP features 8000 students from 25 countries and sees students design, build and race their own hydrogen-powered remote-control cars in a test of endurance.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody says the organisation’s attendance at the recent World Hydrogen Summit 2024 in Rotterdam inspired it to bring the competition to the region.
“The work we are doing to develop a dedicated Clean Energy Precinct (CEP) will not only position Port of Newcastle as the largest energy export port in the country, but will also drive the Hunter Region’s diversification,” Carmody says.
“The Port of the future will need a workforce of the future … [but] this work can’t be done in a vacuum.
“By bringing in 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.”
Port of Newcastle’s CEP is supported by the Australian and NSW governments alongside industry partners and is expected to contribute $4.2 billion to the nation’s economy and contribute 5800 jobs in the Hunter by 2040.
Schools participating in the competition include Warners Bay High School, Rutherford Technology High School, Merewether High School, Irrawang High School and Callaghan College Waratah Campus.
The University of Newcastle will also be supporting the program, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky says it’s a great opportunity to introduce the next generation to the career potential of the hydrogen and sustainable transport sectors.
“Our university is critical to our region’s energy transformation,” Zelinsky says. “We’ll be helping build the workforce needed for our new industries and jobs of the future.
“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 is possible.”
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