Professor Masakazu Sugiyama has been appointed Queensland’s Hydrogen Envoy in Japan during the World Hydrogen Technologies Convention in Tokyo.
Speaking from the convention, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said Professor Sugiyama’s work on Queensland hydrogen projects made him an obvious choice for the role.
“Professor Sugiyama has extensive knowledge and experience in hydrogen technologies and heads a research group within the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) at the University of Tokyo,” Mr Dick said.
“Professor Sugiyama has shown his commitment to collaborating with Queensland by partnering with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) on a pilot plant that will test hydrogen technologies suitable for at-scale production, storage, use and export.
“RCAST has an agreement with QUT for collaborative research, academic and scientific activities in hydrogen.
“Professor Sugiyama is leading the industry-university collaborative research unit for a global network of renewable hydrogen and will prove a valuable champion for Queensland hydrogen in global markets.
Professor Sugiyama said it was an honour to accept the role of envoy.
“Queensland has a pioneering spirit that is greatly admired and respected. It will be wonderful to work together,” he said.
“Already, the collaborative research being undertaken by RCAST and QUT closely aligns with the objectives of the Queensland Government’s Hydrogen Industry Strategy.”
Mr Dick said the appointment of Professor Sugiyama as Queensland’s Hydrogen Envoy in Japan will strengthen Queensland’s relations with overseas companies.
“This further demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to becoming a hydrogen exporter of choice for the world,” he said.
“Professor Sugiyama has impressive research credentials when it comes to the commercial applications of hydrogen, and I look forward to working with him as we set the direction for growing a hydrogen industry in Queensland.
To view the Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy 2019-2024, please visit dsdmip.qld.gov.au/hydrogen.
