Five-year-old Australian green hydrogen startup Hysata has received up to A$49 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to build a commercial-scale electrolyser manufacturing plant in Port Kembla, New South Wales. The funding supports a project valued at A$98 million under the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund. Developed from University of Wollongong research, the initiative aims to advance locally made clean energy technology.
Manufacturing Scale and Technological Focus
The new facility will establish an initial production line capable of 50 megawatts per annum, with a design that allows expansion to 200 megawatts through round the clock operations. Hysata's capillary-fed electrolyser technology is intended to produce renewable hydrogen more efficiently and at lower cost. This efficiency is expected to support the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors including steelmaking, chemicals, shipping and heavy transport.
Local Component Production and Real-World Deployment
A central element of the project is the local manufacture of core electrolyser components such as membranes, anodes and cathodes. This focus is designed to strengthen Australia's sovereign manufacturing capability and clean energy supply chains. Early commercial megawatt-scale electrolyser systems will also be deployed to demonstrate the technology in practical applications and support future commercial growth.
Employment and Skills Pathways
Around 40 new skilled jobs are expected to be created across manufacturing, engineering and technical roles in the Illawarra region. Hysata will collaborate with the University of Wollongong and TAFE NSW Illawarra to deliver training, internships and skills development programs. These pathways are intended to grow the local workforce needed to support the clean energy transition.
ARENA Perspective on Clean Energy Leadership
ARENA Chief Executive Officer Darren Miller described Hysata as a strong example of home-grown technology with the potential to compete globally. He stated that the project would help move Australian innovation from the laboratory into large-scale manufacturing. He added that supporting advanced electrolyser manufacturing in Australia helps build industries that can underpin a future renewable hydrogen sector and create long-term economic opportunities.
Strategic Economic and Environmental Benefits
The investment is expected to capture more value from Australia's energy transition by building local capability in renewable energy technology manufacturing. It directly supports the production of hydrogen for industries that are difficult to decarbonise through electrification alone. The project is funded through the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund and aligns with national clean energy priorities.
Hysata's Rapid Rise
Hysata was founded in 2021 by technology entrepreneur Dr Paul Barrett, electrolysis expert Gerry Swiegers and renewable energy specialist Tom Campey from research at the University of Wollongong. The company was recognised as Startup of the Year at the inaugural Startup Daily Best in Tech awards in 2023. It subsequently raised a record 172 million dollar Series B round eight months later, signalling strong investor confidence.
The ARENA-backed project positions Hysata and the Illawarra region at the centre of Australia's renewable hydrogen manufacturing efforts. It demonstrates how targeted public funding can help translate university research into industrial-scale capability, supply chain resilience and skilled local employment. With the ability to scale production significantly, the initiative offers a practical pathway for Australia to compete in the global clean energy technology market.