HB11 Energy Awarded $20M Project as Part of Building the Largest Recycling and Clean Energy Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem in Australia

Australia's first laser fusion energy company HB11 Energy has been awarded a $20 million project as part of Deakin University's plans to build "the largest recycling and clean energy advanced manufacturing ecosystem in Australia".

The $20 million project comprises a ~$6 million grant from the $50 million granted to Deakin University through the Federal Government's Trailblazer Universities Program, plus $14 million in contributions from partners.

It will see HB11 Energy work with Deakin's Recycling and Renewable Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH) to manufacture hydrogen-boron fusion fuels.

Hydrogen-boron reactions could provide large-scale power for base-load grid electricity or hydrogen generation, using fuels that are very similar to those used for hydrogen storage. Relative to other fusion fuels, they are completely safe and abundant. 

This fusion approach creates insignificant amounts of short-lived waste because it does not generate neutrons in the primary reaction. 

Deakin's team led by Professor Ian Chen has demonstrated success in the application of new graphene-like materials for hydrogen storage for combustion application. Its hydrogen storage technology is currently the only material that can contain the optimal mix of hydrogen and boron for fusion energy generation. 

Professor Ian Chen, Director of the ARC Research Hub for Safe and Reliable Energy, said: "The joint project aims to support the scaled manufacture of this hydrogen-containing graphene-like material. It will also develop the manufacturing of a recently discovered two-dimensional material called Borophene, which is anticipated to be the ideal hydrogen-boron fusion fuel as it only contains hydrogen and boron."

Dr Warren McKenzie, Founder & MD of HB11, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be part of another successful Trailblazers grant, and we look forward to working with Deakin on this project. Deakin is a leader in materials science and research commercialisation, with a strong intellectual property pipeline and a track record of fostering productive industry collaboration and engagement. The team has shown an impressive ability to develop processes for scaled manufacture of micro-and nanostructures with their in-house materials processing and the greater capabilities in the Australian National Fabrication Facility."

Alfred Deakin Professor Julie Owens, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Deakin University, said: "Recycling and renewable energy are key to reducing landfills, reliance on fossil fuels, and the devastating costs of global warming. REACH will help build Australia's sovereign capability in key manufacturing priorities, driving the country's single largest recycling and clean energy advanced manufacturing ecosystem."