Hydro Tasmania and the University of Tasmania have signed a new Strategic Collaboration Agreement aimed at supporting the state’s long-term sustainability goals.
The agreement identifies three priority areas: developing future workforce skills, advancing research and development, and strengthening community engagement. It builds on a long-standing relationship between the two institutions that has contributed to Tasmania’s economic development and leadership in renewable energy and environmental science.
Hydro Tasmania CEO Rachel Watson said the formal partnership will create more opportunities for collaboration.
“As two of Tasmania’s longest standing institutions, this formal agreement will deepen the impact of our collaboration both in Tasmania and beyond – there are exciting opportunities ahead,” Ms Watson said.
“Together, we’re leading environmental research, giving back to the community, and training the scientists and engineers who will continue to secure Tasmania’s position as a leader in the renewable energy industry.”
Professor Brian Black from the University of Tasmania emphasised the shared focus on climate-safe engineering and the growing role of research and innovation in supporting the energy transition.
“We are transitioning our engineering research and teaching to a Climate Safe Engineering focus, which will enable the expansion of knowledge in this field and allow us to make even more of a real difference in this space alongside our Hydro Tasmania partners,” Professor Black said.
“There is already a steady flow of high-impact research and training that our teams are delivering across hydraulics, pumped hydro storage, reservoirs, energy dispatch systems and integration of other renewable sources for a future highly interconnected electricity market.
“We are also working together in the almost $10-million ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre of Future Grids Technology, which is helping to develop a skilled workforce specialised in clean energy for Australia,” he said.
The partnership will involve shared use of facilities and expertise, with a focus on research, innovation and education to address the challenges of a changing climate and ensure Tasmania maintains its leadership in clean energy.
