Hydrogen, defence tech topic of Korean trip

GEELONG manufacturing leaders travelled to South Korea last week for a business mission to strengthen relationships with a burgeoning energy and defence industry partner.

The group visited Changwon for site visits and discussions with public officials and businesses with Geelong’s sister city.

A delegation of 11 people from the Geelong Manufacturing Council (GMC), Deakin University, The Gordon, Committee for Geelong and local engineering businesses were part of the trip.

South Korean-owned Hanwha Group is developing a $1 billion defence manufacturing project at the Avalon Airport precinct, which is due to finish construction in the second half of 2024.

Geelong leaders were also keen to explore future energy technologies such as hydrogen power, and the opportunities for the city’s industry to be at the cutting edge of its development in Australia.

GMC sparked the initiative, which its CEO Jennifer Conley said would help solidify Geelong’s reputation as home to significant manufacturing and research capabilities, including a highly skilled workforce and world class infrastructure.

“Hanwha is making a major investment that will grow our regional capabilities and enable a new generation in Geelong to develop high tech skills,” she said.

“The company is already well advanced in building a smart Australian supply chain and will bring vital technology and skills transfer opportunities.

“This visit is not only to connect with the company’s leadership and show our support for their investment, but also to investigate the potential for a huge range of adjacent business opportunities for our small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular in the development of hydrogen.”

Gordon TAFE CEO Joe Ormeno said education of skilled workers would be “the cornerstone of innovation and economic growth” and that the institute could help drive advancements in emerging sectors.

Deakin hydrogen research leader Professor Tiffany Walsh said hydrogen would likely play a key role in meeting net-zero targets and that collaboration with international agencies would help development of technologies.