Exploring the Future of Clean Energy at Toyota Centre of Excellence

The Toyota Hydrogen Production Facility is Victoria's first commercial-grade permanent hydrogen production, storage and refuelling facility. On 23 August, Year 11 Carey students visited the facility in Altona North to explore sustainable technologies currently reshaping the automotive industry.

Students were introduced to hydrogen fuel cells where hydrogen gas, originally produced from water, is renewably used to generate ‘clean energy’ with only water and heat as byproducts. Highlights of the visit included visualising fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) including the Gen1 Toyota Mirai and the H2 City Gold bus. Students were also shown life-size models of the Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid and Electric vehicle battery types, a cutaway hydrogen tank and operation procedures for safely dispensing hydrogen.

Students were guided through the design thinking processes involved in the evolution of electric vehicles, fostering curiosity and a renewed appreciation for the creative processes that drive these advancements. ‘I was thrilled to see the materials used for the hydrogen gas tanks also, sensors used for the refuelling pumps,’ one student said. Another commented that they, ‘Knew about electric cars, but seeing hydrogen technology in action was special.’

Dr Pearl Fernandes
Middle and Senior School Science teacher