The hydrogen industry in Australia is poised for transformation, and Central Queensland’s CQUniversity (CQU) is at the forefront of this movement. With its groundbreaking Hydrogen Community Hub and an unwavering commitment to community education and workforce development, CQU is shaping the future of clean energy in Australia.
Recently, the Net Zero Economy Authority visited CQU to experience the Hydrogen Community Hub firsthand and met with Dr Cal Devney, Senior Research Officer and Project Manager, who shared valuable insights into the university’s impactful initiatives.
Creating a hydrogen-literate community
The Hydrogen Community Hub is more than just a research project, it’s an interactive space designed to bridge the gap between industry advancements and public understanding. Dr Devney emphasised that one of the hub's goals is to educate locals about the hydrogen industry.
'The aim is to inform the community about how hydrogen is produced, its applications, and the benefits it offers from sustainability and job-creation perspectives,' she explained.
Opening this year, the hub will serve as a dynamic learning environment, featuring immersive experiences like virtual site visits to hydrogen production facilities on a 5-by-2-metre LED screen.
'We’re gathering a broad range of content to keep the space engaging and relevant. It’s about bringing people back to see progress and learn about new developments,' said Dr Devney.
'The facility plans to showcase live demonstrations and incorporate hands-on exhibits, such as a hydrogen fuel bowser, making technical concepts accessible to all age groups.'
Inspiring the next generation
One of the hub’s standout objectives is to engage young people, sparking interest in hydrogen and STEM fields.
'We’re targeting secondary students and even primary schoolers, creating awareness of the hydrogen industry and pathways into it,' said Dr Devney.
A recent highlight was the Hydrogen Grand Prix, an initiative aimed at getting students excited through hands-on, immersive activities.
But the opportunities in hydrogen extend beyond engineering.
'We want young people to see there’s a place for everyone in this industry. Whether it’s law, accounting, or stakeholder engagement, the hydrogen economy needs diverse skills,' Dr Devney explained.
Leading workforce development
CQU has taken significant strides in addressing workforce readiness, a critical factor in Australia’s hydrogen transition. The university recently developed hydrogen-specific micro-credentials.
'These are micro-credentials tailored to secondary students, providing foundational knowledge in solar PV, hydrogen gas production, and clean energy applications,' Dr Devney said.
The micro-credentials are being updated and will remain free for schools, ensuring broad access. Beyond micro-credentials, CQU offers vocational training, master’s degrees, and PhDs related to hydrogen and clean energy.
'Whether you’re an electrician transitioning into clean energy or a student pursuing advanced studies, there’s something for everyone,' she said.

Scaling infrastructure and overcoming challenges
As the hydrogen industry scales up, challenges in infrastructure and community awareness persist. Dr Devney highlighted the need for collaborative efforts: 'One priority is ensuring equitable access to essential hydrogen infrastructure, like pipelines and water, which are critical for scaling up projects efficiently.'
Community engagement remains another focal point. A recent survey in Gladstone revealed that the community was unaware of the hydrogen industry.
Dr Devney sees the Hub as a vital tool for addressing this gap.
'Once people see tangible changes, like job growth or housing impacts, they’ll want to understand more. The hub will be there to provide that information,' she said.
Fostering innovation and collaboration
CQU’s work extends beyond education and community engagement. It collaborates with global and local industry leaders to drive innovation.
'What excites me most is the sheer innovation happening in this space,' Dr Devney said. 'These projects are paving the way for solutions to climate change.'
The Gladstone Engineering Alliance and other regional initiatives further support local suppliers, ensuring that the economic benefits of the hydrogen boom remain within the community.
'It’s about giving suppliers the lead time to prepare and encouraging partnerships that build local capacity,' Dr Devney explained.
Aligning with the Net Zero Economy Authority
CQU’s hydrogen initiatives align closely with the objectives of the Authority, established to ensure a smooth and equitable transition to a decarbonised economy. The Authority focuses on supporting regions and communities that play a key role in Australia’s clean energy future. This complements CQU’s work.
'The hydrogen economy is about more than just technology, it’s about creating opportunities and ensuring no one is left behind,' said Dr Devney.
The Authority’s emphasis on workforce transition mirrors CQU’s commitment to skills development.
'Through micro-credentials and hands-on training, we’re ensuring the local workforce is equipped to meet the demands of the hydrogen economy,' Dr Devney explained.
Additionally, the hub’s community engagement aligns with the Authority’s goal of fostering public support and understanding for clean energy projects.
The Authority also prioritises local content and community benefits, which resonate with CQU’s initiatives to strengthen regional suppliers and First Nations participation.
'The Gladstone region is a hub for heavy industry, and the Net Zero Economy Authority’s focus on local economic development complements the work we’re doing to build regional capacity,' Dr Devney said.
Securing the future of energy
From education to workforce development and infrastructure scaling, CQU is not only shaping the hydrogen landscape but also inspiring a sustainable future for Australia.
As Dr Devney sees it: 'The hydrogen economy is a space where everyone can contribute, and that’s what makes it so exciting.'
The Hydrogen Central initiative is funded by the Australian Government as part of the Central Queensland Hydrogen Hub.