Victorian students drive green energy transition through international hydrogen competition

Swinburne’s Knox Innovation, Opportunity and Sustainability Centre (KIOSC) co-hosted the Hydrogen Grand Prix competition in Melbourne for the first time on 23 July at the Toyota Innovation Centre in Altona.

This international event saw students racing hydrogen-powered remote-control cars, showcasing their engineering skills and learning about renewable energy.

The Hydrogen Grand Prix is part of the international H2 Grand Prix series, organized by Horizon Educational. It made its Australian debut last year in Queensland, where school teams from across the country participated in an endurance race with their self-built hydrogen-powered cars.

KIOSC's involvement

In collaboration with Gippsland Tech School and Horizon Educational, KIOSC was instrumental in bringing the competition to Melbourne.

KIOSC has continued to provide programs and learning experiences which enhance the schools’ educational provision in preparing students for future pathways and careers.

Director of KIOSC, Dr Kulari Lokuge, emphasised the importance of the event in promoting STEM careers and sustainable technology.

“Our teams were very excited to take part in this international competition. Students not only engaged with a diverse range of STEM concepts, but they also developed vital skills and gained experiences that will benefit them in the future,” Dr Lokuge said.

Student experiences

Bayswater Secondary College, Fairhill High School, Scoresby Secondary College, Wantirna College, Keysborough Secondary College and Cobram Secondary College were supported by KIOSC.

Cobram Secondary College and Bayswater Secondary College’s Hydrogen Grand Prix teams had been working on their hydrogen-powered cars ahead of the Victorian competition this year.

The competition inspired students to learn more about sustainable energy sources and develop practical skills in engineering and teamwork.

The presentation creator and director for Cobram Secondary College’s team, Madison Knight, shared her enthusiasm for the project.

"I’ve really enjoyed learning about hydrogen as a future fuel and how it can work by trying it out in our car. It’s been a great opportunity at school, and I really look forward to continuing with this project in the future," Madison said.

Student participant William Wickens from Bayswater Secondary College also shared his insights on the experience.

“During the project, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. I have learned plenty about engineering and the processes that go into designing one of these hydrogen cars,” William said.