The CQUniversity’s Centre for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy has new leadership and is looking to develop its partnerships with Central Queensland industries leading the charge into the renewables space.
Paul Hodgson has stepped into the recently vacated director role and has already hit the ground running.
“In my first few weeks at CQUniversity, I have been amazed by the breadth of energy transition research happening right across our network of campuses,” Mr Hodgson said.
“I want to find ways to link and showcase the great research happening – having a whole-of-CQU view and approach is important to best position CHRE as a facilitator, connector and promoter as well as a doer.”
Mr Hodgson has also assumed the position of Regional Futures – Energy Transitions executive director.
“Central Queensland is an industrial and energy powerhouse with many companies covered by the Federal Government’s Safeguard Mechanism,” he said.
“CQUniversity already has a number of MoUs (Memorandum of Understanding) and we’ll be looking to expand on that to develop long-term partnerships, supporting industry and government achieve their energy transition goals and commercial opportunities.”
Immediately prior to commencing at CQUniversity, Mr Hodgson was the interim chief executive of a bid for a Scaling Green Hydrogen Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) where he secured $163 million in cash and in-kind support from 97 partners, including CQUniversity.
“When the CRC bid wasn’t successful for Commonwealth Government funding in December 2023, I jumped at the chance to work with CQUniversity to continue the important work required to realise the significant economic and social opportunity for our regions,” he said.
Mr Hodgson is a proud CQUniversity alumnus, where he completed a Masters in Sustainable Development in 2004.
“Soon after graduating, I started a sustainability, innovation and clean energy consulting business and over the last 20 years, I’ve undertaken a lot of work in clean energy such as helping establish a Clean Energy Innovation Centre, a Clean Technology venture capital pipeline for the Queensland Government, a national network of regional hydrogen technology clusters, and helped universities and businesses secure grants for a wide range of clean energy and innovation projects,” he said.
“As a passionate regional economic developer, I am keen to see the benefits of clean energy, hydrogen and decarbonisation investments deliver sustained economic and social benefits for regional communities.”
Mr Hodgson said he was looking forward to what lies ahead.
“There is a fantastic opportunity for CQUniversity to play a leadership role in the development of the hydrogen and renewable energy sectors, to help diversify and transform our regions, but also help create sustainable economic and social prosperity from the interest that the world has in investing in Central Queensland,” he said.
“I’ve continually sought opportunities where I can learn and have impact. I want to help set a clear vision for the centre; attract, develop and nurture talent; build strong internal and external partnerships, and map a plan for high quality and impactful research that delivers for our stakeholders.”
