The Hydrogen Lab within the University of Tasmania’s School of Engineering develops scalable, commercially relevant solutions for hydrogen production, storage and energy conversion.
Our research brings together engineering innovation, rigorous performance measurement and a practical focus on technologies that can support the transition to low-emissions energy systems.
Research capabilities
The Hydrogen Lab is developing enabling technologies and advanced experimental capabilities.
Lab-grade thermal control systems
Accurate electrolyser testing and performance comparison.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)
Diagnostic methods to identify, measure and reduce system losses
Experimental benchmarking platforms
PEM electrolyser components and complete systems
Performance optimisation
Approaches spanning materials, interfaces, thermal management and electrical losses
Equipment
Integrated Renewable Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Testing Facility
The Hydrogen Lab hosts an Integrated Renewable Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Testing Facility. This research-grade experimental platform includes:
- an Enapter electrolyser,
- hydrogen gas management and conditioning systems,
- fuel cell power generation units,
- hydrogen storage interfaces, and
- programmable electrical loading equipment.
The facility supports end-to-end investigation of hydrogen production via electrolysis, hydrogen storage and conditioning, fuel cell energy conversion, advanced control development, performance benchmarking, degradation studies, and integration with renewable energy systems and microgrids.
Current research program: PEM Electrolysers
Our first major research and development program is focused on improving the performance of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers.
The program is investigating novel approaches to reduce ohmic losses within electrolyser systems, with the objective of improving efficiency, performance and commercial viability. The research combines materials, cell and system-level optimisation with robust experimental benchmarking.
A central priority is the development of accurate and repeatable methods for measuring performance outcomes, ensuring that new technologies can be evaluated against credible baseline systems.
Future research directions
The Hydrogen Lab intends to expand its research portfolio into adjacent areas of hydrogen energy systems, including:
- Integrated fuel cell optimisation
- Hydrogen storage and energy conversion technologies
- Field-ready hydrogen micro-grid designs
- Integrated hydrogen systems for remote, regional and industrial applications
Research team
- Dr Waqas Hassan - Founder and Lead, Hydrogen Lab
Dr Hassan leads the Hydrogen Lab and its research programs in hydrogen technologies, electrolysers, power electronics, microgrids, energy storage, and integrated renewable-hydrogen energy systems. He is responsible for the strategic direction, research development, industry partnerships, research infrastructure, and research training activities of the lab. - Mr Hamish Finn
Mr Hamish Finn is a Mechanical engineer and PhD candidate, with expertise in electro-mechanical design, simulation, control systems, and testing. He is focused on testing and optimisation of PEM electolyser cells and auxiliary systems.
External collaborators
- Professor Tim Finnigan
Professor Finnigan collaborates with the Hydrogen Lab on hydrogen technology development, commercialisation pathways, industry engagement, and strategic research initiatives. His experience spans engineering, technology commercialisation, executive leadership, and innovation in energy-related systems.
Collaboration
The Hydrogen Lab welcomes opportunities to collaborate with industry, government, research organisations and technology partners interested in the development and deployment of practical hydrogen solutions.
Our work is directed toward technologies that are technically robust, scalable and capable of contributing to future hydrogen production, energy storage and distributed energy systems.
Contact
Location
Hydrogen Lab
Level 3, Engineering Building
Sandy Bay Campus