Southland Delegation Explores Hydrogen Energy Prospects in Australia

• A Southland business contingent attended the Hunter New Energy Symposium in Australia to explore hydrogen energy opportunities.
• The delegation aims to understand how hydrogen technology can benefit Southland, emphasizing collaboration and innovation.
• Insights from the symposium could lead to significant advancements in Southland’s energy sector and economic diversification

A contingent from Southland has embarked on a mission to Australia, aiming to explore the burgeoning potential of hydrogen energy for their region. The group, consisting of five key figures, participated in the two-day Hunter New Energy Symposium in the Hunter Valley, an event renowned for congregating industry leaders from across Australasia.

Representatives Brendan Gray and Dean Addie from the Southland Engineering and Manufacturing Cluster were joined by Daryl Cook (EIS Group), Craig McKenzie (HWR Hydrogen and My Transport), and Hoani Cooper (NES Ltd), all driven by a unified goal to delve into the hydrogen opportunities awaiting Southland.

The symposium served as a fertile ground for the Southland delegates to absorb vital insights and engage in pivotal discussions, with the potential to significantly influence Southland’s energy landscape. Gray stressed the importance of staying ahead in understanding future trends and workforce development. Addie highlighted the symposium’s role as a crucial platform for industry collaboration, emphasizing the opportunity it presents for showcasing Southland’s collective capabilities.

Craig McKenzie pointed to the transformative power of hydrogen technology, noting, “We have a real opportunity here… collectively, we can make some real impact and speed up the pace to move towards a more sustainable future.”

Hydrogen, celebrated for its cleanliness and production versatility, stands at the forefront of discussions for its role in advancing sustainable energy solutions. The Southland delegation’s participation in the symposium underscores a proactive step towards embracing renewable energy technologies and exploring their applicability in enhancing the region’s economic and environmental sustainability.

The event not only offered insights into the hydrogen and energy industries but also opened avenues for potential collaboration and partnership, crucial for Southland’s business and energy sectors. With the Southland Engineering and Manufacturing Cluster playing a pivotal role, the region is poised to leverage its collective expertise in bidding for significant engineering and manufacturing contracts, further diminishing its reliance on the aluminium smelter at Tiwai Point.

As the Southland business community continues to explore new energy horizons, the insights gained from the Hunter New Energy Symposium represent a valuable step towards securing a sustainable and prosperous future for the region..