Published Saturday, 12 May, 2007 at 05:00 AM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Smart alliance to fast track hydrogen development
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA: Sister States Queensland and South Carolina will work together to accelerate the development of hydrogen energy as a clean fuel alternative to oil.
Premier Peter Beattie said an agreement between the University of Queensland and the University of South Carolina would promote collaboration on research projects and business development as well as faculty and student exchanges.
“The effect of global warming makes it imperative that we accelerate the development of viable green fuel alternatives,” Mr Beattie said.
“Hydrogen has great potential as a clean energy carrier to replace hydrocarbons at a time when the world is desperately seeking alternative energy sources.
“The development of hydrogen energy is one of several opportunities along with clean coal technologies and biofuels like ethanol that would enable Queensland to reduce carbon dioxide emissions as part of our response to climate change,” Mr Beattie said.
The University of Queensland leads the recently formed National Hydrogen Materials Alliance, funded under the CSIRO with $10 million over three years. Griffith University and the Queensland University of Technology are also part of the alliance.
Mr Beattie said the University of South Carolina has significant expertise in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
“They host the National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Fuel Cells and they play a leadership role in the South Carolina Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance,” Mr Beattie said.
The two universities have also agreed to mutually support the two biggest hydrogen conferences in the world over the next few years.
In June next year, Brisbane will host the 2008 World Hydrogen Energy Conference while the US National Hydrogen Association Annual Conference will be held in Columbia, South Carolina in March/April 2009.
In a separate initiative the two universities have also agreed to form a partnership to accelerate the commercialisation of smart know-how and technology.
Mr Beattie said the agreement between the Australian Institute of Commercialisation (AIC) and the University of South Carolina (USC), offered innovative Queensland companies an opportunity to access the highly competitive U.S. market and the vast pool of scientific research at USC.
“It also offers South Carolina companies the chance to access Australian innovations and use the State Government-sponsored iLab Incubator Facility at Toowong,” Mr Beattie said.
"Queensland welcomes this accord with South Carolina and we look forward to engaging in collaborative activities that will enhance our innovative industries and benefit the economies of both States."
The Australian Institute of Commercialisation was established in 2002.
“We established the AIC as a national entity to deliver commercialisation advice and services that could help innovative individuals, businesses, research organisations and government departments take their ideas, identify opportunities, and create outcomes from commercialising them,” Mr Beattie said.
Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Premier Peter Beattie said an agreement between the University of Queensland and the University of South Carolina would promote collaboration on research projects and business development as well as faculty and student exchanges.
“The effect of global warming makes it imperative that we accelerate the development of viable green fuel alternatives,” Mr Beattie said.
“Hydrogen has great potential as a clean energy carrier to replace hydrocarbons at a time when the world is desperately seeking alternative energy sources.
“The development of hydrogen energy is one of several opportunities along with clean coal technologies and biofuels like ethanol that would enable Queensland to reduce carbon dioxide emissions as part of our response to climate change,” Mr Beattie said.
The University of Queensland leads the recently formed National Hydrogen Materials Alliance, funded under the CSIRO with $10 million over three years. Griffith University and the Queensland University of Technology are also part of the alliance.
Mr Beattie said the University of South Carolina has significant expertise in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
“They host the National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Fuel Cells and they play a leadership role in the South Carolina Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance,” Mr Beattie said.
The two universities have also agreed to mutually support the two biggest hydrogen conferences in the world over the next few years.
In June next year, Brisbane will host the 2008 World Hydrogen Energy Conference while the US National Hydrogen Association Annual Conference will be held in Columbia, South Carolina in March/April 2009.
In a separate initiative the two universities have also agreed to form a partnership to accelerate the commercialisation of smart know-how and technology.
Mr Beattie said the agreement between the Australian Institute of Commercialisation (AIC) and the University of South Carolina (USC), offered innovative Queensland companies an opportunity to access the highly competitive U.S. market and the vast pool of scientific research at USC.
“It also offers South Carolina companies the chance to access Australian innovations and use the State Government-sponsored iLab Incubator Facility at Toowong,” Mr Beattie said.
"Queensland welcomes this accord with South Carolina and we look forward to engaging in collaborative activities that will enhance our innovative industries and benefit the economies of both States."
The Australian Institute of Commercialisation was established in 2002.
“We established the AIC as a national entity to deliver commercialisation advice and services that could help innovative individuals, businesses, research organisations and government departments take their ideas, identify opportunities, and create outcomes from commercialising them,” Mr Beattie said.
Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500