A re-elected Queensland Labor Government plans to build a $15 million skills and training facility in Townsville to fuel the region’s green hydrogen industry workforce.
The new centre will deliver a full suite of training in plumbing and fire protection, from pre-apprenticeship level to the full level three certification apprenticeship courses, through to a range of certificate and post-trade courses.
The state government says it will also deliver accredited training in emerging technologies and applications such as working safely with hydrogen and other renewable gases, alongside a comprehensive series of training modules relating to construction industry safety and occupational health and safety.
Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart says the Townsville region is on track to have the third fastest growth in jobs in all of Queensland.
“The training services at this new facility will not only deliver the training required for North Queensland’s green hydrogen future but will also complement skills needed for our critica minerals mining and processing projects,” Stewart says.
Townsville’s Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre will give local workers skills needed for thousands of jobs being created under the Labor Government’s landmark energy and jobs plan and its Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap.
Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre CEO Shayne La Combre says this facility will be a cornerstone in preparing the state’s plumbing and fire protection professions for the opportunities of tomorrow.
“With the ability to deliver high-quality training locally, where it’s most needed, and the flexibility to customise programs to industry demands, this facility will be a crucial hub for developing future skills, driving innovation, and boosting economic growth in the region.”
Meanwhile, clean energy company Pure Hydrogen (ASX:PH2) has registered Australia’s first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prime Mover in Brisbane, Queensland, with handover to PepsiCo expected within the next few weeks.
In 2022, Pure Hydrogen partnered with PepsiCo to trial the hydrogen fuel cell 6×4 prime mover while also delivering refuelling along with maintenance and repair services.
With the registration process complete, the trail will begin immediately and will run for six months. Following the trial, PepsiCo will assess the commercial use-case with the potential to order further hydrogen powered vehicles.
Managing Director Scott Brown says the company continues to pioneer the use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and is establishing itself as an “emerging leader” in the Australian hydrogen and energy space.
“The six-month trial will allow Pure Hydrogen to demonstrate the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prime Mover’s potential to a broader range of potential local and international customers,” Brown says.
“As we continue to build and grow the company’s hydrogen ecosystem, Pure Hydrogen is well positioned to capitalise on opportunities in the country’s booming energy sector.”
Pure Hydrogen is a clean energy-focused company that seeks to become a leader in the development of hydrogen and energy projects.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Pure Hydrogen
