The power of collaboration could help India and New Zealand reach renewable energy goals and bring an end to energy poverty.
A recent visit to the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-Delhi) by a New Zealand delegation of University of Canterbury researchers explored renewable energy research developments and strengthening partnerships in a series of workshops focussed on green hydrogen.
IIT-Delhi Dean of Research and Development Professor Naresh Bhatnagar says an international commitment to developing renewable energy solutions needs enthusiastic and talented international partners.
“If we find synergies and ways to get together as international partners, then the sum will be greater than the parts. We see this in our international collaborations – papers are cited more, perspectives are different, and the vibrancy of the campus and research grows.”
Recently published IIT-Delhi research, ‘Mission Energy Access for a just and sustainable future for all,’ supports the global goal of ending energy poverty by 2030. The authors noted that it is a betrayal of the global commitment to ending energy poverty that so many global citizens remain unable to access reliable energy.
India is committed to aspirational climate goals, including a Government commitment to be energy independent by 2047. Renewable energy and green hydrogen will play a significant role in this.
An expert in energy and hydrogen technologies, University of Canterbury Professor Aaron Marshall was delighted to join the delegation and share his research, which explores energy equity.
His research aims to develop a new type of electrolyser – a tool that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen – to produce green hydrogen energy in a more cost-effective way by replacing noble metals, metals that are resistant to corrosion and oxidation.
“Energy is required to produce hydrogen. Currently, the best electrolysers are about 75% efficient, but they cost a lot to build and use expensive noble metals,” Professor Marshall says.
The conversations will continue when IIT-Delhi Assistant Professor Suryanarayana Vikrant Karra, an expert in Materials Science, visits the University of Canterbury later in the year on an IIT-Delhi India-New Zealand Centre Fellowship.
The opportunity Christchurch, New Zealand provides
Christchurch, New Zealand has emerged as a hub for developing green fuel technology. University of Canterbury researchers work closely with industry including Christchurch International Airport, the only net zero-emissions airport in New Zealand; Fabrum, an innovative green hydrogen producer; and Liquium, a producer of clean ammonium fuel that has the potential to decarbonise heavy industries such as shipping.
University of Canterbury Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement Brett Berquist led the delegation in India and outlined the unique opportunities a partner in New Zealand can provide.
“As a university and nation, we are focused on collaboration, sharing unique approaches, and scaling the benefits for other much larger countries.
Following our very productive visit to IIT-Delhi we look forward to welcoming our colleagues from India to the University of Canterbury in Christchurch later in the year to strengthen our relationship and continue the conversation to end energy poverty,” says Mr Berquist.
Green hydrogen research at the University of Canterbury
University of Canterbury researchers are leading two initiatives to advance green hydrogen energy in Aotearoa New Zealand in partnership with the German Aerospace Centre. In 2022, the projects received $4 million in funding.
- Project 1: Dr Rebecca Peer and Dr Jannik Haas are leading a project that aims to develop an integrated energy system model and strategy for New Zealand that could provide sustainable transport, heating, and electricity. Research on our future energy needs
- Project 2: Professor Aaron Marshall is leading a project to develop a new type of electrolyser – a tool that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen – to produce hydrogen energy in a more cost-effective way. Creating cost-effective green energy
Professor Matt Watson in collaboration with the Robinson Research Institute, is investigating the technical and economic feasibility of using hydrogen to produce direct reduced iron (DRI) from New Zealand’s abundant irons and resources as a way of decarbonising the steel industry.
Professor Andy Nicol and Associate Professor David Dempsey received $11.8 million (2022) from the New Zealand Government’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to explore how hydrogen can be safely stored to be useful as an energy source. Green hydrogen powering the future of New Zealand