HYDROGEN FUEL LAB STUDENTS GAIN INDUSTRY INSIGHTS AT TOWNSVILLE GREEN ENERGY FORUM

On Tuesday 25 March, students from the Hydrogen Fuel Lab program at St Patrick’s College Townsville were privileged to attend the 2025 Green Energy Forum at The Ville Resort-Casino. This high-profile event brought together leaders in renewable energy, infrastructure, and policy to discuss the future of sustainable development in North Queensland.

The students attending as part of the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) initiative, had the unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and observe first-hand how hydrogen and other renewable technologies are shaping Australia’s energy landscape.

A key focus of the day was the Localised Project Updates session, where four companies presented their work on cutting-edge green energy infrastructure in our region. Among these were our program sponsors, Edify Energy and Siemens, both of whom are making significant contributions to the growth of hydrogen and renewables in Northern Australia.

Edify Energy showcased its plans for a green hydrogen production facility at the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct, where it is developing co-located solar generation and battery storage systems to power electrolysers. Edify’s vision for clean, export-ready hydrogen production aligns directly with the technical and environmental goals of the Hydrogen Fuel Lab program, providing students with a real-world example of where their learning could lead.

Siemens, a global technology leader and longtime supporter of education in STEM, was acknowledged by forum speakers for its work in digital infrastructure, automation, and clean energy transitions. While Siemens did not deliver a standalone presentation on the day, its technology is embedded in many of the systems and companies represented, demonstrating its behind-the-scenes impact on hydrogen production, energy efficiency, and industrial digitisation.

In addition to hearing from project managers and engineers, students engaged in meaningful discussions about workforce opportunities, sustainability, and innovation in regional Queensland. Highlights included a panel on government incentives for renewables and a compelling presentation from Ark Energy on hydrogen mobility.

St Patrick’s College Townsville would like to thank Townsville Enterprise, NQH2, and our sponsors Edify Energy and Siemens, for making this opportunity possible. Events like the Green Energy Forum offer our students a rare and valuable window into the industries that will define their future—and the chance to be part of that future today.