UC researchers are tackling some of the biggest challenges in renewable energy, with projects aimed at cutting emissions, transforming energy systems, and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
From using renewable hydrogen to reduce steel industry emissions, to developing frameworks that could reshape Aotearoa New Zealand’s energy landscape, UC is leading the charge in the transition to greener, more efficient energy solutions.
Their cutting-edge work includes:
Matt Watson and Josh McArdle (Engineering): Investigating how renewable hydrogen can reduce steel industry emissions.
Jinjiang Liu (Engineering): Using computer models to predict interactions in hydrogen mixtures at the molecular level.
Rafaella Canessa (Engineering): Creating a framework to model energy systems tailored to New Zealand’s needs.
Hadi Vatankhah Ghadim (Engineering): Examining green hydrogen’s potential role in New Zealand’s energy sector.
Kelsey McKenzie (Science and Engineering): Studying microbes in Taranaki gas fields to enhance hydrogen production.
UC is shining a spotlight on its world-leading hydrogen research ahead of hosting the New Zealand Hydrogen Symposium (NZHS 2025). This year’s symposium, themed ‘Hydrogen: A Pathway to Sustainability and Resilience’, will bring together experts from across New Zealand and around the world to explore the critical role of hydrogen in building a sustainable, resilient energy future.
Among the keynote speakers is Professor Rangan Banerjee, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi. With decades of expertise in energy science, renewable systems, and hydrogen innovation, Professor Banerjee has been at the forefront of pioneering research and international collaboration in this vital area. Many other international keynote speakers will also contribute their insights, further emphasising the global significance of this symposium.
The symposium will highlight how UC researchers are advancing New Zealand’s vision for a renewable, efficient energy system by 2050, while also contributing to global energy solutions. Through collaboration with industry and international partners, supported by funding from New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and German Research Foundation (DFG), UC is advancing hydrogen innovation. Representatives from BMBF and DFG will attend, further strengthening the partnership between New Zealand and Germany to deliver practical, community-focused solutions.
UC’s Executive Dean of Engineering, Professor Saurabh Sinha, says the symposium is an opportunity to showcase UC’s significant contributions to hydrogen innovation.
“This event highlights the vital role hydrogen plays in transitioning to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Hosting NZHS 2025 enables UC to bring together global expertise and foster solutions that address urgent energy challenges,” he says.
The symposium’s sessions will cover a range of topics, including emerging technologies, policy development, and the potential of hydrogen to transform industries and communities. Delegates will also be able to engage with the latest research and connect with international leaders in the field.
The New Zealand Hydrogen Symposium is set to begin at 9am on 3 February in Tī kōuka, Haere-roa (UCSA) building, 90 Ilam Road, Christchurch, on the University of Canterbury’s Ilam campus.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 - Affordable and clean energy.
