IMCRC collaboration en route to develop green hydrogen storage solution

The Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC), advanced materials startup Rux Energy and the University of Sydney have joined forces on a collaborative research project that will deliver game-changing dispatchable hydrogen gas (H₂) tanks, changing the trajectory of Australia’s green energy industry.

Currently, the inability to store H₂ efficiently is preventing it from being widely used as a zero-carbon fuel. To combat this, the Sydney-based research project, which commenced in March 2021, has developed new metal-organic frameworks for the high-performance adsorption of H₂.

The new materials are set to be integrated into field-ready tank prototypes for trials and testing with SME and large industry partners in 2022, with the overall goal to deliver affordable green hydrogen for heavy and long-distance electric vehicles by 2025.

Commenting on the project, Rux Energy Founder and CEO Dr Jehan Kanga said the IMCRC activate funding had enabled Rux Energy to onboard the resources and expertise needed to develop the materials and safe and efficient storage of dispatchable H₂.

“We’ve been able to use our recent findings as proof points to approach industry about new projects and look to globally relevant areas of expansion, including aviation and marine, which, along with trucking, would contribute to abating at least 12% of carbon emissions,” Dr Kanga said.

“What began as a $100,000 investment has catalysed more than $4 million in investments over the next three years, which speaks to the success of the collaboration.”