December 9, 2025
UOW to lead new $72M ARC Centre of Excellence for Renewable Fuels
National research effort to build Australia’s sovereign clean energy future
The University of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ (UOW) will lead a new Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Renewable Fuels, a landmark national collaboration that will position Australia as a global leader in the clean energy transition.
The Centre will bring together world-class researchers from seven Australian universities with 16 industry and international partners to develop next-generation renewable fuel technologies and build Australia’s clean energy production capability.
Led by ARC Industry Laureate Distinguished Professor (pictured above), the Centre will accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to sustainable energy powered by renewables including green hydrogen, green ammonia and green methanol.
“Our vision is to make Australia a world leader in renewable fuels, driving our transition from a major exporter of fossil fuels to the world’s leading exporter of renewable energy. This Centre will deliver the technologies needed to achieve that while training a new generation of researchers and engineers,” Professor Swiegers said.
The $72 million initiative will unite expertise in chemical and materials engineering, electrochemistry and energy systems to design and scale technologies for producing and processing renewable fuels. Economists, social scientists and community and policy experts will develop a roadmap for integrating the technology into industry and the Australian economy.
Its three research themes – Make It, Process It and Integrate It – will tackle the challenge from every angle, from large-scale production and processing to economic competitiveness, safety and community engagement to policy and regulation.
“Our research will underpin new industries and jobs, strengthen national energy independence and decarbonise sectors that cannot easily be electrified, such as steelmaking, shipping and aviation. It will enable Australia to export renewable fuels and green products, ensuring prosperity while reducing emissions,” Professor Swiegers said.
Centre leadership includes Scientia Professor Rose Amal AC (UNSW), Professor Deanna D’Alessandro (University of Sydney), Professor Michael Johns (University of Western Australia), Professor Michael Brear (University of Melbourne) and Dr Jessica Allen (University of Newcastle).
The ARC Centre of Excellence for Renewable Fuels is supported by the Australian Research Council and hosted by the University of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ in partnership with UNSW, the University of Sydney, the University of Western Australia, the University of Melbourne, the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Newcastle. It is backed by global industry partners in hydrogen, ammonia, energy, gas, manufacturing, shipping, aviation, infrastructure, steel, and policy, as well as the NSW Powerfuels Network within the NSW Decarbonisation Hub.