Renewable fuels centre at Wollongong to unite science, industry and policy
A new $72 million Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Renewable Fuels, led by the University of Wollongong, will bring together seven universities and 16 partners to advance clean fuel technologies and strengthen Australia’s renewable energy capability.
The University of Wollongong (UOW) will host the new Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Renewable Fuels, a $72 million national research collaboration aimed at developing technologies to produce and process renewable fuels including green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol.
The Centre will be led by Distinguished Professor Gerry Swiegers, an ARC Industry Laureate, and will unite expertise from seven Australian universities with 16 industry and international partners.
“Our vision is to make Australia a world leader in renewable fuels, driving our transition from a major exporter of fossil fuels to the world’s leading exporter of renewable energy,” Professor Swiegers said. “This Centre will deliver the technologies needed to achieve that while training a new generation of researchers and engineers.”
Supporting new industries and energy independence
Professor Swiegers said the Centre’s work would “underpin new industries and jobs, strengthen national energy independence and decarbonise sectors that cannot easily be electrified, such as steelmaking, shipping and aviation.”
The initiative will also support Australia’s renewable export potential by enabling the production of clean fuels and green products for international markets.
The leadership team includes Scientia Professor Rose Amal AC (UNSW), Professor Deanna D’Alessandro (University of Sydney), Professor Michael Johns (University of Western Australia), Professor Michael Brear (University of Melbourne) and Dr Jessica Allen (University of Newcastle).
Backed by the Australian Research Council
The Centre is part of a wider $279 million ARC investment in eight new Centres of Excellence to begin in 2026.
ARC Chief Executive Officer Professor Ute Roessner said the Centres reflect Australia’s commitment to research that delivers public value.
“In these Centres, we see the value of bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives to address the complex challenges of our time,” Professor Roessner said. “Their work will not only advance knowledge, but also strengthen our communities, inform public policy, and help shape a more resilient and prosperous Australia.”
Part of a broader clean energy vision
The Renewable Fuels Centre will work with partners across hydrogen, ammonia, manufacturing, shipping, aviation, infrastructure and steel industries, as well as the NSW Powerfuels Network within the NSW Decarbonisation Hub.
