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Axens Joins FACET Group for Australian eFuel Plant Pre-FEED

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:48:51 GMT

Since early 2025, Downer Group, CEA and H2Potential have been developing a pre-FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) study for an Australian eFuels Plant under the Franco-Australian Indo-Pacific Centre for Energy Transition (FACET). This plant will produce synthetic fuels (eFuels) for the maritime and aviation sectors - addressing two hard-to-abate industries critical to global decarbonisation - while strengthening critical regional fuel security. With more than 80% of Australia’s liquid fuels currently imported, which account for over half of the nation’s final energy demand, the project will harness Australia’s abundant low-carbon renewable energy resources and the latest technologies to produce secure, low-carbon eFuels.

Axens is a leading international provider of process technologies, developed by IFP Energies Nouvelles (IFPEN), catalysts, equipment and services for the refining and petrochemical sectors, with a large and validated portfolio of energy transition technologies, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), and chemical recycling of plastics.

Axens brings its role as a global technology provider to the project, contributing proven process technologies and industrial analysis to support the development of advanced downstream eFuels production pathways. This further strengthens the group’s existing capabilities, including Downer’s strength as a Tier 1 constructor and integrator with decades of delivery across Australia’s industrial and power generation sectors; CEA’s world-renowned research leadership in eFuel synthesis pathways, carbon capture, and hydrogen technologies; and H2Potential’s globally recognised deep expertise in hydrogen development and eFuels.

With Axens joining the project, these shared capabilities form a tightly integrated project team, combining research excellence, industrial engineering expertise and global technology leadership to address the challenges of decarbonising maritime and aviation transport, while strengthening regional fuel security.

The Pre-FEED is scheduled for completion in April 2026.

Mai-Phuong Do, Axens, Managing Director South East Asia: “ Australia plays a strategic role in the development of eFuels, thanks to its promising renewable electricity production potential which is essential for economically viable synthetic eFuels production. We are proud to join this ground-breaking Franco-Australian initiative, which uniquely combines the expertise of our two countries into a single, collaborative effort ”.

Murray Richards, Downer, Executive General Manager – Energy & Industrial: “ The energy transition is a complex challenge that requires collaboration and innovation. By working closely with universities, research institutions, and industry, we can unlock practical solutions that drive real impact. With decades of expertise in solution architecture, asset management, industrial services and power generation, Downer is proud to play a key role in this project alongside Axens, CEA and H2Potential as part of FACET. eFuels represent a critical piece of the puzzle in reducing emissions across hard-to-decarbonise industries like maritime and aviation. This initiative reflects our commitment to practical, future-focused solutions that help create a more sustainable tomorrow .”

Sarah Cumming, FACET, Co-Director: “ We are delighted to welcome Axens to this pioneering initiative. Their proven expertise in sustainable fuel technologies strengthens our collective ambition to accelerate the energy transition and deliver innovative solutions for hard-to-abate sectors .”

Francois Aguey-Zinsou, H2potential, CEO: “ We are glad to see AXENS joining the team, helping us to demonstrate how we can produce e-SAF at cost. While the current Hydroprocess Ester and Fatty Acid route (HEFA) is limited by the availability of waste oil, and the alcohol to jet fuel strongly relies on the availability of biomass, we see power to liquid converting CO2 and hydrogen as an essential route to scale up SAF. ”

Claire Gauthier, CEA, Head of the Carbon Circular Economy Program: “ As an R&D institute specializing in technology and process expertise, we found the collaboration with Axens to be highly productive. The complementary expertise contributed to the techno-economics of jet production, combined with their team's professionalism and responsiveness, made them a standout technology partner.”

About Axens

Axens group ( www.axens.net ) provides a complete range of solutions for the conversion of oil and biomass to cleaner fuels, the production and purification of major petrochemical intermediates, the chemical recycling of plastics and all natural gas treatment and conversion options. The offer includes technologies, equipment, furnaces, modular units, catalysts, adsorbents and related services. Axens is also specialized in Carbon Capture. Axens is ideally positioned to cover the entire value chain, from feasibility study to unit start-up and follow-up throughout the entire unit life cycle. This unique position ensures the highest level of performance with a reduced environmental footprint. Axens global offer is based on highly trained human resources, modern production facilities and an extended global network for industrial, technical supports & commercial services. Axens is an IFP Group company.

FACET press contact: info@franceaustraliaenergy.com

Climate 4.0 Hub - Startup Application is now!

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 03:52:14 GMT

INFORMATION SESSION! (en français)

Call for Bold Climate and Energy Startups!

FACET and the Climate 4.0 Hub are delighted to present the Flagship Accelerator Programm e during a dedicated session conducted exceptionally in French.

All your questions about the programme and how to navigate the Australian market will be addressed.

Trilateral hydrogen workshop: Australia, Japan, France

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:33:55 GMT

Sydney - 19.11.2025

On 19 November 2025, FACET convened its second Trilateral Hydrogen Workshop, bringing together more than 50 senior government, industry, and research leaders from Australia, France, and Japan. Organized alongside the Asia-Pacific Hydrogen Summit, the workshop focused on two strategic themes: e-fuels and natural hydrogen, two strategic priorities seen as key drivers for fostering trilateral innovation and cooperation.

This article is a summary of the key discussion and learning points from the workshop.

Growing trilateral momentum since Tokyo 2022

The event took place three years after the inaugural workshop in Tokyo in 2022, which primarily focused on research. Since then, the hydrogen sector has evolved dramatically, with discussions now extending to investment, industrial deployment, and policy frameworks as Professor Julie Cairney, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at University of Sydney reminded at the workshop.

Opening the event, His Excellency Pierre-André Imbert, Ambassador of France to Australia , emphasised the shared mission driving the partnership:

“France, Australia, and Japan are united by a common vision: a clean, sustainable, and secure energy future. […]. As we look ahead, we need to be guided by the conviction that the energy transition is not a race against each other, but a race against time - and one we can only win together. This workshop embodies the principle that no single country can decarbonize alone”.

The workshop began with an overview of the three countries’ hydrogen strategies and examples of how FACET initiatives align with national priorities.

Hydrogen strategies at a glance

Australia updated its National Hydrogen Strategy in September 2024 introducing major incentives under the Future Made in Australia package, including a AUD$6.7 billion Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive and an expanded AUD$2 billion Hydrogen Headstart Program. Catherine Zerger, Head of Hydrogen Strategy and Industrial Futures Branch at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) shared that Australia’s guarantee of origin scheme has just been legislated in Australia in Decembre 2024 and was just launched few weeks before the workshop. The Guarantee of Oigin is designed to verify the use of renewable energy and low emissions products. Under the Product Guarantee of Origin (PGO) side of the scheme, certificates will record the emissions intensity and key attributes of Australian made products like green hydrogen and metals. It also enables access to government incentives like Hydrogen Headstart and the Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive.

France updated in April 2025 its hydrogen strategy reaffirming the role of hydrogen as a cornerstone of its carbon neutrality plan, targeting 4.5 GW electrolysis by 2030 and 8 GW by 2035. H.E Pierre-André Imbert, Ambassador of France to Australia highlighted that a key focus is on synthetic fuels, particularly for aviation and maritime sectors. By 2035, over 70% of hydrogen produced in France will be dedicated to e-fuel production and the government has already approved funding for advanced engineering studies on sustainable aviation fuels, backed by a €200 million commitment.

Japan , under its Green Transformation Promotion Act, plans to invest ¥15 trillion over 15 years to build a robust hydrogen supply chain. According to Uehara Eiji, Counsellor, Economics Embassy of Japan to Australia , it is supported by the Japan Hydrogen Fund (JHF), which has already raised over US $480 million.

FACET new trilateral hydrogen project

During the workshop, Katerina Aleksoska, General Manager International at the Australian Hydrogen Council , introduced a newly funded FACET project announced earlier in October 2025. The initiative seeks to unlock Australia’s green hydrogen export potential and strengthen supply chains linking Australia, France and Japan.
It will examine the trilateral relationship as a strategic case study and will debut in January 2026 at the Hyvolution Paris 2026 | International Hydrogen Exhibition .
The project will deliver a decision-support tool to help industrial consortia identify and position themselves for funding and project opportunities in hydrogen and hydrogen-derived industries.

E-Fuels: Opportunities for Trilateral Collaboration

Moderated by Gordon Chakaodza (Victorian Hydrogen Hub) , the e-fuels panel featured representatives from Axens, Solid Hydrogen, Downer Group, and Advantage Partners. Complementary national strengths emerged clearly:

Australia: resource base and early-stage e-fuel project development
Japan: strategic investment appetite and future offtake demand
France: advanced technologies, modelling expertise and industrial R&D

Key insights from the discussion

Technology readiness of efuels:

“Technical risk is no longer the main barrier. Processes are mature, and falling hydrogen costs will sharpen project economics” noted Jeff Caton, Commercial Director Asia Pacific at Axens .

Efuels and hydrogen Costs

“ A drastic reduction in hydrogen costs could be driven by breakthrough technological innovations ” added Philippe Odouard, CEO of Solid Hydrogen

Investment opportunities in efuels projects in the APAC region

“ As Japan’s first dedicated hydrogen investment vehicle, the Japan Hydrogen Fund is accelerating the global hydrogen economy and has already highlighted international projects, including French ones, in its portfolio, including the Gravity clean iron initiative at Fos-sur-Mer (France)—a US$100+ million opportunity that underscores the fund’s commitment to industrial decarbonization. ” Said Keiichi Suzuki, Partner, and head of renewables and sustainability at Advantage Partners

A unique opportunity of collaboration through FACET

FACET funded a pre-FEED study for an Australian e-fuel demonstration plant, led by Downer Group, CEA and H2Potential.
“ This project is a strong example of trilateral collaboration, with developers already working with Japanese and French stakeholders on technology licensing and offtake agreements " said Ben Stieler, a Downer engineer involved since early 2025.

Policy needs in Australia in the efuels sector:

All agreed that what’s needed now are clear policies and mandates to ensure stable offtake agreements and harmonized certification standard.

Insights from the natural hydrogen session

Moderated by Mélanie Ducros (FACET) , the natural hydrogen session featured experts from CSIRO, Gold Hydrogen, CNRTec and Geoscience Australia. The discussion underscored growing momentum in this rapidly developing field.

Australia is driving exploration through companies such as Gold Hydrogen, which has confirmed high-purity hydrogen and helium reserves in South Australia, attracting interest from Japanese investors, including Toyota and ENEOS.

France is a pioneer in the sector of natural hydrogen, adapting its mining code in 2022 to include natural hydrogen as a recognized resource to provide a clear legal framework for exploration and extraction. It allowed France to grant three exploration permits already. France hosted the 2022, 2024 and 2025 editions of the H-Nat Summit, the world’s leading event dedicated exclusively to natural hydrogen. The only other country to host an in-person edition was Australia in 2023.

Japan sees natural hydrogen as a strategic opportunity for long-term energy security, and this growing interest was evident in Novembre 2025 when a 30-organizations Japanese delegation visited Gold Hydrogen’s site in South Australia, one of the largest Japanese delegations to Australia in recent years.

Key insights from the discussion

“ Natural hydrogen has moved from scientific curiosity to industrial reality in just five years ,” said Dr. Ema Frery (CSIRO) , citing strong Franco-Australian scientific ties and significant government investment, including AUD$4 million in Queensland.

Dr. Andrew Feitz, Director of Energy Initiatives and Advice at Geoscience Australia , outlined the agency’s role in Australia in mapping resources for a sustainable future. He presented findings from Australia’s first natural hydrogen study and ongoing work, assessing three underground storage options for hydrogen hubs: depleted gas fields, mined rock caverns (lined and unlined), and salt caverns. These studies reveal significant opportunities for trilateral collaboration, leveraging the complementary expertise of Australia, France, and Japan.

Neil MacDonald, CEO of Gold Hydrogen , presented the company’s progress in exploration. Gold Hydrogen drilled two exploration wells in 2023, which were tested in 2024 and confirmed the presence of high-purity natural hydrogen and helium. This breakthrough has attracted strategic investment from Japanese companies, including Toyota, ENEOS, Xplora, and Mitsubishi Gas Chemicals. Japanese interest is growing rapidly.

Fabien Trotet, General Manager of CNRTec , highlighted that natural hydrogen has been scientifically demonstrated in New Caledonia since 2022. The territory is now preparing to launch a call for tenders for natural hydrogen exploration, seeking partnerships with France, Japan, and Australia. Mining and metallurgy account for 77% of the territory’s electricity consumption, making access to low-carbon, sovereign, and cost-effective energy critical for competitiveness. If natural hydrogen were extracted locally, it could play a transformative role in ore processing, mobility, and metal reduction. From 2026 to 2028, the goal is to establish a regulatory framework and conduct detailed field surveys, supported by increased private investment, potentially from Australia and Japan. These steps will define prospects for development starting around 2029–2030, creating a clear window for trilateral partnerships to shape the future of natural hydrogen in the Indo-Pacific.

Conclusion

The workshop reaffirmed that France, Japan and Australia - through shared strengths in technology, investment, and resources - can position the Indo-Pacific as a global hub for hydrogen innovation.

“Collaboration is the key to unlocking the full potential of hydrogen and its derivatives,” said Tim Lester, Australia-Japan Business Cooperation Committee. “Together, we can lead the way.”

Echoing these remark Penelope Howarth, Senior Adviser and Energy Decarbonisation Focal Point in the Climate Change and Sustainability Division at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), finaly closed the discussions highlighting that FACET could be instrumental in advancing such collaboration.

Acknowledgements

For their partnership and contributions to the event, FACET extends its thanks to:

· Embassy of France to Australia

· Embassy of Japan to Australia

· Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

· France Hydrogène

· Australian Hydrogen Council

· Asia-Pacific Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition

· Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

· Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

· The University of Sydney

FACET launches six new Franco-Australian projects to accelerate the energy transition

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 21:45:17 GMT

The Franco-Australian Indo-Pacific Centre for Energy Transition (FACET) is excited to announce six new collaborative projects set to fast-track innovation and real-world impact in the global energy transition.

Unveiled in France at FACET’s second annual Symposium on 8 October 2025, the announcement brought together senior leaders from research, industry and government across Australia and France - underscoring the deepening partnership between the two nations in tackling climate and energy challenges.

FACET set an ambitious goal for 2025: achieving at least 50% co-investment from project partners . That target has been decisively exceeded, with nearly AUD 3 million in co-investment secured , reflecting strong, shared commitment from both academic and industrial stakeholders.

The newly funded projects showcase the breadth, ambition, and impact of the FACET portfolio:

• Transforming mine waste into critical metals and green construction materials through a circular economy initiative focused on resource recovery.

• A powerful simulation tool to support Australia’s shift to flexible, renewable energy systems that deliver reliable electricity and heat.

• A French–Japanese–Australian collaboration to unlock the export potential of green hydrogen across the Indo-Pacific.

• Unlocking liquid hydrogen storage making it safer and more affordable for large-scale energy use.

• Fast tracking operations & maintenance for offshore wind learning from operational teaming with unmanned systems.

• The launch of the Climate 4.0 Hub , a startup accelerator based at Swinburne University of Technology’s Hawthorn campus in Melbourne, connecting French and Australian entrepreneurs with innovation ecosystems and commercialisation pathways.

The announcement also coincided with a landmark moment: the l argest ever Australian energy delegation to France , held as part of the FACET France Energy Transition & Innovation Tour, in partnership with the French Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FACCI). Events across Paris, Lyon, and Grenoble provided a unique platform to deepen bilateral ties and showcase joint capabilities in clean energy and innovation.

As the global community faces the accelerating challenges of climate change and energy security, FACET continues to lead from the front - catalysing innovation, driving investment, and fostering high-impact international partnerships for a more sustainable future.

Snapshots of 2025 projects

From mine waste to critical metals & green construction materials

TAILS - Tailings and Innovative Leverage for Sustainability - French Australian collaboration to advance global sustainability, energy transition and industry decarbonation by extracting critical metals from mine waste and recovering minerals for the construction sector.

Over 10 billion tonnes of mine waste, known as tailings, are produced globally each year - posing a serious environmental and safety threat due to the risk of dam failures and toxic leaks. Yet hidden in this waste are valuable critical metals, including rare earth elements (REEs) essential for clean energy technologies like EVs and wind turbines. In a game-changing collaboration, GHD, CEA and partners aim to recover these critical minerals and repurpose the non-metallic tailings into low-carbon construction products such as geopolymers, aggregates, and bricks. The project will use advanced mineral separation and testing to unlock value from tailings and build a scalable roadmap for full-scale rollout. By turning mine waste into a resource, the initiative not only reduces emissions, waste, and risk, but also strengthens strategic supply chains and promotes a circular economy.

“Ultimately, this project transforms an environmental liability into a strategic, economic, and sustainable asset,” said Charles Vuillier of GHD. “We're not just cleaning up mine waste - we’re unlocking its potential to power the clean energy future and provide the materials for some of the build of tomorrow.”

Partners: GHD, CEA – ISEC, BRGM, Invest Victoria

Dispatchable DC grid

DipatchGrid - Dispatchable DC grid: a flexible microgrid with intermittent generation and hybrid energy storage

This project is developing a powerful simulation tool to support Australia’s shift to flexible, renewable energy systems that deliver reliable electricity and heat. Using a 10 MW DC microgrid as a case study, it repurposes legacy infrastructure from retired coal-fired power stations, and integrates wind, solar, and advanced storage technologies - thermal, chemical, and electrical - to ensure a stable, dependable power supply. At its core is a digital prototype that tests different system setups, checks grid stability, and models cost-effectiveness. This virtual microgrid will form the foundation for a digital twin, giving industry and policymakers a practical tool to guide real-world energy planning and deployment.

According to Professor Gary Rosengarten, Director Sustainable Technologies & Systems, Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT

“This isn’t just a study - it’s a decision tool for a smarter energy transition. By reusing old infrastructure and testing systems digitally before rollout, we’re building a cleaner, more reliable and cost-effective energy future.”

Partners: RMIT, CEA LITEN, Storabelle, Rondo Energy, Université Grenoble Alpes, Australian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Tripartite green hydrogen

A tripartite approach to unlock Australia’s green hydrogen export potential to create sustainable hydrogen supply chains in Australia, France and Japan

This trilateral project between France, Australia, and Japan will deliver a decision-support tool to strengthen collaboration in all three countries. Specifically, the tool will help French and Australian companies prepare for bids and projects in Australia, while also assessing the most viable export pathways to Japan and France. The project also aims to map supply chain opportunities, highlighting investment prospects, and identifying new business opportunities across the three countries.

“This collaboration represents an important step forward in advancing global hydrogen innovation,” said Dr Julie Mougin, Deputy Director for Hydrogen Technologies at CEA, and Gordon Chakaodza, Director of the Victoria Hydrogen Hub (VH2). They added, “by combining the strengths of France and Australia, we will generate vital data and insights that open opportunities for companies to engage in three of the world’s most significant hydrogen markets.”

Partners: CEA, Victorian Hydrogen Hub (VH2), Australian Hydrogen Council, Vireo Energy.

Towards a safe and reliable hydrogen storage

CHALIA: Condensation of Humid Air during Loss of Insulation Accident in LH2 tanks

The CHALIA project is tackling one of the biggest challenges in clean energy: making liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage safer and more affordable. While LH2 offers zero emissions and high energy for heavy-duty transport, it also comes with risks - like pressure build-up, boil-off gas loss, and potential tank rupture. Current understanding of transient behaviour following tank failure remains limited, and accurate predictions of boil-off rates, even under normal operating conditions, require further improvement. This international collaboration between FEnEx CRC, CEA, and UWA is developing advanced tools, experiments, and simulations to better understand and predict LH2 behaviour during normal use and accidents. The project combines lab-scale testing with full-scale tank trials to improve safety standards, reduce storage losses, and support wider adoption of hydrogen.

“This isn’t just about safety - it’s about unlocking hydrogen’s full potential as a clean energy solution. By understanding how LH2 behaves during storage, we can make it safer, cheaper, and ready for the real world.” commented Professor Eric May, Future Energy Exports (FenEx) CRC.

Partners: Future Energy Exports CRC, CEA, University of Western Australia

Fast tracking O&M for offshore wind

LOTUSim-Energy (Learning from Operational Teaming with Unmanned Systems)

Operations and maintenance (O&M) of offshore wind turbines are complex, costly, and risky, requiring specialised vessels and equipment to handle harsh maritime conditions. Technicians and divers face significant safety hazards, and planning must account for failures and weather. Drones and autonomous systems offer a safer, more efficient alternative, but they still require complex prototyping before deployment. Simulation provides a way to model and validate solutions beforehand, reducing risks and costs. The project LOTUSim-Energy proposes the first cross-domain (air, surface, underwater) maritime simulation platform for testing and validating autonomous O&M processes. It will allow simulation of various offshore wind turbine locations, drone behaviours, and weather conditions for scenario experimentation and anomaly detection.

Partners: IRL Crossing, Naval Group, Swinburne University of Technology, Université Grenoble Alpes

Accelerating high-impact climate tech startups

Climate 4.0 Hub

The Swinburne-FACET Climate 4.0 Hub is a dynamic new initiative accelerating high-impact climate tech start-ups from Australia and France. Located in Melbourne, the Hub aims to act as an accelerator by supporting 5 to 10 start ups annually with hands-on mentorship, access to global investors, cutting-edge R&D, and pilot opportunities. Focused on clean energy, decarbonisation, critical minerals, and climate resilience, the Hub bridges industry and research to turn innovations into scalable solutions. By addressing the key "valleys of death" in climate tech commercialisation, the Hub will unlock new pathways for sustainable growth and position Australia as a regional leader in climate innovation.

"We’re excited to launch the Swinburne-FACET Climate 4.0 Hub and foster climate innovation and collaboration between Australia, France and the Indo-Pacific" says Swinburne's Vice-President, Innovation and Enterprise, Werner van der Merwe. “Through our accelerated start up program, we’ll be providing targeted support and strong industry ties, which leverages the thriving innovation culture and capabilities offered by our in-house Swinburne Innovation Studio, to foster real-world impact with climate tech start-ups from Australia and France".

Partners: FACET, Swinburne University, Twynam Earth Fund, ARENA, Invest Victoria, Business France, French Australia Chamber of Commerce, CEA, Université Grenoble Alpes

Media contact: info@franceaustraliaenergy.com

FACET at the Australia–EU Hydrogen Supply Chain Forum in Perth

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:02:02 GMT

Perth, 3- 5 of September 2025
Strengthening EU–Australia Collaboration on Hydrogen

The Franco-Australian Indo Pacific Centre for Energy Transition (FACET) was honoured to take part in the Australia–EU Hydrogen Supply Chain Forum held in Perth.

We warmly thank the organisers The German Embassy, The Embassy of the Netherlands, Adelphi & the German Chamber of Commerce and the EU Delegation in Australia, the Government of Western Australia, and Fortescue for their invitation and for hosting a week of high-level discussions, technical visits, and strategic exchanges.

The event provided a valuable platform to showcase the growing strategic relationship between Europe and Australia in the hydrogen sector.

FACET’s at the Forum : discussions on the latest technological development

FACET was proud to be represented by International cooperation officer Mélanie Ducros, who moderated the panel on “Latest Technological Developments”, featuring leading innovators in carbon capture, ammonia, synthetic fuels, and hydrogen technologies. The panel highlighted the strategic relevance of EU–Australia collaboration, especially in sectors like green iron, where WA’s industrial base and Europe’s technological expertise can create powerful synergies.

Site Visit: Fortescue’s Christmas Creek Mine

FACET also joined the European delegation for a visit to Fortescue’s Christmas Creek mine, where teams presented their green hydrogen production pilots, the construction of a green iron plant, and heavy-duty mobility trials using battery-electric and liquefied hydrogen-powered trucks.

“It was a truly impressive visit— those were the largest tyres I’ve ever seen! But what stood out most was the boldness to innovate, the willingness to take risks, and the understanding that failure is part of the journey. That mindset is what drives real innovation.”

Mélanie Ducros - FACET International Cooperation Officer

Key Takeaways of the forum

1️⃣ EU–Australia hydrogen collaboration is deepening, built on long-standing ties and shared decarbonisation goals. Hydrogen and its derivatives are one of the core strategic focus for FACET’s activities.

2️⃣ Europe is seen as a global leader in industrial decarbonisation, and an essential partner in shaping international hydrogen strategies.

3️⃣ Successful hydrogen deployment requires tight coordination between industry, research, policymakers, and investors. FACET’s unique positioning enables it to facilitate these cross-sectoral and cross-border dialogues.

4️⃣ The pace of innovation is accelerating. Staying connected to cutting-edge research and pilot projects is essential.

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Learn more about : Western Australia, Strategic Hydrogen Powerhouse

Western Australia (WA) is not only a global mining leader—it is also emerging as a key player in the clean energy transition.

WA is responsible for nearly all of Australia’s iron ore production, and in 2024, it supplied 920 million tonnes, making it the largest iron ore producer in the world, ahead of Brazil

WA’s export infrastructure is world-class:

Port Hedland alone handled 544 million tonnes of iron ore in 2024, representing 61% of the state’s total iron ore exports 1.
Other major ports include Cape Lambert and Dampier, which together account for over 30% of export volumes.

Beyond minerals, WA has vast potential for renewable energy generation, particularly solar and wind, making it an ideal location for green hydrogen production and value-added processing such as green iron and e-fuels. The state’s Renewable Hydrogen Strategy and Strategic Industries Fund (A$1 billion) aim to position WA as a global hub for hydrogen innovation and export.

Key investments include:

A $1 billion Strategic Industries Fund to support next-generation infrastructure,
Hydrogen hubs in Kwinana, the Pilbara, and the Mid West,
Fast-tracked approvals for clean energy projects,
A commitment to 15,000 new jobs in emerging energy sectors.

WA’s strategy prioritises hydrogen use in hard-to-abate sectors, such as mining, steelmaking, and chemical production, where electrification is not always feasible. This positions hydrogen as a critical enabler of industrial decarbonisation.

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Learn more about : Hydrogen as a Decarbonisation Tool: Key Industrial Use Cases

Hydrogen is increasingly recognised as a strategic pathway for decarbonising energy-intensive industries:

Green Iron : Hydrogen can replace coal as a reducing agent in iron ore processing, enabling near-zero emissions steel production. WA, as the world’s largest iron ore producer, is uniquely positioned to lead in this field.

Ammonia : The ammonia industry is the largest consumer of hydrogen globally, accounting for over 50% of hydrogen use. Transitioning to green hydrogen in ammonia production could eliminate nearly all direct emissions from the Haber-Bosch process, with emerging applications in energy storage, maritime fuel, and fertiliser production.

E-Fuels : Hydrogen-derived synthetic fuels (e-fuels) are gaining traction in aviation and shipping, where electrification is limited. These fuels are produced by combining hydrogen with captured CO₂, offering a pathway to decarbonise long-distance transport.

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Learn more about the Australian Government Support for Hydrogen Projects in Australia

During the for um, participants were introduced to the extensive suite of tools and funding mechanisms that the Australian government has put in place to accelerate the development of hydrogen and its derivatives. These programs are designed to support both domestic deployment and international export, particularly to strategic partners like Japan.

Key initiatives include:

Hydrogen Headstart: A flagship program with a total investment of A$4 billion, including A$2 billion allocated in the 2024–25 federal budget for its second round. It provides production credits to close the commercial gap between the cost of renewable hydrogen and its market price, with a strong focus on large-scale export-oriented projects.

A$2/kg Production Tax Incentive: Launching in 2027–28, this measure will inject A$6.7 billion over ten years to support renewable hydrogen production. It aims to make Australian hydrogen more competitive globally and attract international buyers.

Future Made in Australia Act: Announced in April 2025, this act allocates A$22.7 billion to support domestic manufacturing and clean energy projects, including hydrogen and green fuels.

Investor Front Door: A dedicated entry point for international investors seeking to engage with Australia’s clean energy transition, offering streamlined access to government support and project pipelines.

FACET announces speakers for Symposium 2025 held in Grenoble, France this October

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:22:29 GMT

The Franco-Australian Indo-Pacific Centre for Energy Transition (FACET) is excited to stage its second Symposium this October in Grenoble, France, unveiling the first wave of speakers, with more to come!

Don’t miss out on this stellar line-up of global experts and innovators focused on

accelerating the energy transition at this year’s FACET Symposium.

FACET welcomes leading thinkers from around the world from research, industry, academia,

start-ups and government. Whether your expertise lies in clean tech, grid technologies, e-

fuels, hydrogen, critical minerals, decarbonisation, circular economy, or skills and education,

this event is your gateway to shaping the future of the energy transition.

The full-day Symposium spans keynotes, spotlights on the industry-innovation link for

Franco-Australian ecosystems, announcements of FACET projects, opportunities for

collaboration, roundtables and networking.

Find out more about the event, including our Speakers – click here SYMPOSIUM 2025

Secure your spot at the centre of important discussions about the energy transition.

Symposium 2025 is proudly presented by FACET’s partners – French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade – and founding partners CEA, Swinburne University of Technology and Université Grenoble Alpes.

LOTUSim: Pioneering Real-Time Simulation for Offshore Wind Operations

mducros@swin.edu.au (Melanie Ducros) — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 23:40:12 GMT

FACET and Naval Group APAC have organised a workshop presenting the findings of amarket study on the use of the LOTUSim simulator in the offshore wind sector on July 28 in Adelaide

On July 28–29, the FACET team traveled to Adelaide to participate in a dedicated workshop on LOTUSim. This was a valuable opportunity to meet with the teams from IRL Crossing lab and CNRS , University of Adelaide and Flinders University, and to explore potential next steps for the project. These discussions helped strengthen collaboration and identify new directions for applying LOTUSim in energy transition contexts.

A bout LOTUSim

LOTUSim is a real-time maritime simulation platform, and Naval group has worked the past few months in designing it on case studies that unable it to support human-drone teaming in offshore wind O&M.

The platform features realistic physics across air, surface, and underwater domains, making it a first-of-its-kind cross-domain simulator.
Lotusim can simulate the behavior of underwater drones, but also surface vessels, aerial drones, and even marine mammals or birds, depending on the case study.
Powered by AI, it supports a wide range of predictive scenarios for trajectories and interactions in both marine and aerial environments.

The platform enables:

Simulation of various offshore wind turbine locations
Modeling of drone (submarine, boat and aerial) behaviors and weather conditions
Scenario experimentation and anomaly detection for submarine drone for offshore wind maintenance
Ultimately, operators could benefit from an immersive interface to monitor and manage simulated autonomous O&M systems for offshore wind.

A market study for offshore wind applications

FACET has funded a market study to explore the use of the platform for the offshore wind sector.

While LOTUISim has clear applications in the maritime sector, this study—funded by FACET—explores its relevance for energy transition use cases.

A restitution workshop was held on July 28, 2025, in Adelaide at Naval Group APAC, bringing together representatives from research, industry, and government from both France and Australia.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants for their thoughtful and nuanced insights !

In this specific case study, submarine drones were simulated. However, discussions during the panel following the presentation highlighted other promising applications for offshore wind, such as the simulation of marine mammals or the use of drones for submarine cable maintenance.

A Collaborative Approach

Ultimately, the ambition is to make this project as collaborative as possible, by involving:

Experts in relevant technical fields
Companies in the energy transition sector
Stakeholders with concrete case studies in the nergy transition to contribute

This collaborative effort will help tailor Lotusim to the specific needs of the offshore wind industry, for the benefit of all.

What’s Next? How to contribute ?

In line with this vision, LOTUSim will be released as open source on November 1st, creating a platform for shared innovation in support of the energy transition.

Feel free to reach out regarding the Lotusim project—especially to propose case studies or explore partnership opportunities.

The FACET team would be delighted to support and foster collaboration around this initiative!

FAWIB X FACET - Women in Energy Mentorship Program

mducros@swin.edu.au (Melanie Ducros) — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:55:46 GMT

Empowering Women in Energy: Launch of a New Mentorship Program

As part of the Bastille Day French Festival Melbourne on the 24th of July 2025, we had the great pleasure of launching a new initiative dedicated to inclusion and empowerment in the energy sector: the Women-to-Women Mentorship Program , starting in October 2025 and co organised with the French Australian Women in Business Network (FAWIB)

If you are a french or an australian woman working in the energy sector and based in Asustralia, submit your expression of interest to join as a mentor or mentee:

https://lnkd.in/epjENJuD

Launch event

Held during the Lumière VERT event at SOFITEL Melbourne, proudly sponsored by Engie and Swinburne University of Technology and supported by The French Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FACCI) the evening brought together professionals, leaders, and changemakers to celebrate the power of mentorship and the importance of building a more inclusive energy future.

Opening remarks from Elizabeth Molyneux from the government of Victoria, Paule Ignatio Consule Generale of France in Melbourne, and Taneal Roach HR People Engie Australia and NZ, set the tone for the evening, followed by a powerful closing message from Pascale Quester, Swinburne University VC and president, who highlighted the role of universities in fostering inclusion and encouraged us to inspire young girls to pursue careers in science and technology.

Moderated by the brilliant Vicky Au from Wood PLC, the panel featured six outstanding french and australian women who shared their personal journeys and the impact mentorship has had on their careers:

Karen Hapgood – Swinburne University of Technology

Julie Perrissel – Ivygo

Kaveri Pathak – Grid-Link

Suchi Misra – Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Fanny Mattens – Airbus

Shannon Cohen-Boulakia – EDF Power Solutions Australia

Their message was clear: dare to speak up, dare to ask, dare to dare.

Why Mentorship Matters

Mentorship is a powerful tool for growth — professionally and personally. It provides a safe space to navigate transitions, build confidence, and gain perspective, especially in a fast-evolving sector like energy.

COP29: $125 million to support the Pacific's renewable energy transition

weiliwong@swin.edu.au (Wei Li Wong) — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 03:50:33 GMT

Joint Media Release

16 November 2024

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy

The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery

The Albanese Government is partnering with Pacific nations to improve energy security and scale up energy grid transition with a $125 million investment in renewable energy. At COP29, Australia announced the funding which comprises a $75 million investment through the REnew Pacific program and $50 million through the Australia-Pacific Partnership for Energy Transition (APPET) program.

Delivered by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, the ‘REnew Pacific’ program will help deliver off-grid and community scale renewable energy in remote and rural parts of the Pacific.

The program will enable lighting, access to water, improved agriculture, better food security, quality education and health services, reliable communications connectivity and enhanced incomes.

The $50 million APPET funding responds to Pacific priorities to capture more of the benefits of renewable energy investments. This may include energy transition modelling, grid studies, renewable energy project feasibility studies, university collaborations and other activities to support energy transition progress.

It will support the skills and training needed to grow the Pacific’s renewable energy workforce and provide practical, Pacific-led support to Pacific governments and energy operators.

Australia recently announced an additional $9 million contribution to the Pacific Regional NDC Hub, which is designed to respond to Pacific requests for support on a range of climate activities. Funding for APPET and the contribution to the Pacific Regional NDC Hub is being made available by repurposing funds from the Indo Pacific Carbon Offset Scheme (IPCOS), an initiative of the former Government. Existing bilateral commitments made under IPCOS will be honoured where they remain relevant.

Further information can be found on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water’s website here .

FACET announces 6 French-Australian groundbreaking projects for 2024

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 06:41:20 GMT

The Franco-Australian Centre for Energy Transition (FACET) is pleased to announce the first six recipients of the 2024 FACET grant, marking a significant step forward in fostering collaborative energy transition projects between France and Australia. This initiative is backed by financial support from both the French and Australian governments, each committing approximatively €1 million and AUD 1 million annually until 2027.

This large-scale partnership is an unprecedented example of France and Australia’s shared commitment to advancing their bilateral roadmap in sustainable development and a greener future. In 2024 alone, FACET has already invested AUD 3.5 million, with additional co-investment from project partners, underscoring the centre’s value to both French and Australian companies. This initiative comes at a time when the energy transition is of increasing economic and political significance, highlighting the need for international cooperation in addressing critical energy challenges.

On October 28th, at the inaugural symposium held in Melbourne, the six projects approved by the FACET Steering Committee were officially announced. These initiatives include two strategic programs designed to promote the adoption of innovative solutions by startups and to prepare the future energy workforce, alongside four applied research grants aimed at developing new French-Australian industrial-scale demonstrators.

This year, FACET has expanded beyond its founding partners—the CEA Research and Innovation Centre, the University of Grenoble Alps, and Swinburne University of Technology (Host)—to include seven new academic partners across Australia and France: University of Sydney, Victoria University, Flinders University, and University of Adelaide, along with French institutions such as the East Paris Institute of Chemistry and Materials Science (ICMPE) and CNRS' CROSSING lab.

In addition, more companies have joined FACET, bringing our network of First Movers in industry collaboration to over 20. These initial projects are helping FACET extend its reach beyond Victoria into New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and soon Western Australia, where an expert delegation from CEA, alongside a Business France mission on critical minerals with 30 French companies, will visit as part of the IMARC conference in Sydney.

6 projects launched in 2024 for an investment of 3.5 M AUD by FACET and its partners

In collaboration with CEA, the Australian Group Downer is spearheading the development of a pilot industrial demonstrator for e-fuel production, targeting maritime and aviation sectors. This project will pave the way for synthetic fuel production in Australia, addressing emissions in hard-to-decarbonize industries. The team will work with FACET’s ‘First Movers’ companies, including end-user such as Airbus, CMA CGM & Safran, on the study. Murray Richards, Executive General Manager of Downer, highlighted the importance of collaboration, saying, "The energy transition is a complex challenge that requires collaboration and innovation. By working closely with universities, research institutions, and industry, we can unlock practical solutions that drive real impact."

The EDF x FACET x Swinburne Startup Programme aims to connect French and Australian companies with startups offering innovative solutions for key energy transition challenges, such as energy storage, renewable energy, and transmission infrastructure. Startups will receive essential commercial and technical support through partnerships and access to EDF’s global network, accelerating Australia’s energy transformation. James Katsikas, CEO of EDF Australia, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "We are deeply committed to the global fight against climate change. This partnership enables us to combine that global expertise with local innovation to work alongside dynamic startups and to find new and impactful solutions that can accelerate Australia’s energy transition."

FACET is also advancing three major applied research projects. One project, in collaboration with Flinders University, ICMPE, and CEA , will focus on future battery solutions, developing rechargeable batteries using organic materials to reduce reliance on lithium, emphasizing sustainability and safety. The second project, involving SUT, CSIRO, and CEA , will enhance community microgrids using advanced technologies for energy distribution and resilience. Also working on complex energy system and partnering with UGA and CNRS-IRL Crossing , University of Adelaide’s team will leverage AI to create smarter, more adaptable grids capable of managing variable renewable energy.

Finally, FACET’s Skills Roadmap initiative will begin a study to identify the educational needs of the clean energy sector, preparing the future workforce for the energy transition in both France and Australia.

Download the full press release

FACET inaugural symposium

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 02:22:43 GMT

Come to our inaugural FACET symposium

W e are proud to announce our first FACET symposium scheduled for October 28th and October 29th in Melbourne : be sure to save the date !

French and Australian governments announce new partnership to tackle global energy crisis

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 06:42:39 GMT

The French and Australian governments have announced a historic new partnership to tackle climate change, launching FACET: the French-Australian Centre for Energy Transition .

Co-led by CEA, Université Grenoble-Alpes and Swinburne University of Technology (which is also the host of the centre), FACET will strengthen Australia and France’s bilateral relationship by building cooperation on sustainable and inclusive energy initiatives, and support energy transition needs in the Indo-Pacific region.

FACET is a key deliverable under the resilience and climate action pillar of the France-Australia bilateral roadmap.

Open to partners from universities, research and technology organisations as well as industries, FACET will enable joint activities in innovation, research, education and training, with a strong focus on energy transition, through leadership, low-carbon energy production and supply chain decarbonisation.

The centre will support wider adoption of sustainable energy solutions, support multilateral partnerships and advance education and skills to support an ambitious climate change response agenda.

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, and the Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Tim Watts MP announced the joint endeavour during a visit to Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus.

“Global challenges require global solutions. Today, represents an important step forward in our efforts to tackle one of the biggest threats our world faces – climate change – and work towards net zero,” said President and Vice-Chancellor, Swinburne University of Technology, Professor Pascale Quester.

“Swinburne is proud to play host to this ground-breaking partnership between France and Australia, reflecting our nations’ shared energy transition ambitions and utilising our world-leading scientific and industry-linked commercialisation capabilities.”

Jean-Louis Falconi, Director of International Relations of CEA declared: “CEA and Université Grenoble-Alpes are proud to be alongside Swinburne University of Technology, the founding partners of the new ambitious and promising French-Australian centre for the energy transition. We look forward to jointly developing cooperation on sustainable and inclusive energy initiatives and supporting energy transition needs in the Indo-Pacific region.”

About Swinburne, CEA and Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA)

Swinburne University of Technology

As a dual-sector university, Swinburne offers the unique combination of excellence in research, teaching, skills development and commercial innovation needed to facilitate FACET’s energy transition objectives.

The centre will utilise Swinburne’s world-leading strengths in the hydrogen economy, renewable generation systems, energy storage systems, future energy networks and supply chain decarbonisation.

It will also bring together capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), digital and supercomputer research, remote sensing, learning development, commercialisation and work-integrated learning.

CEA research and innovation centre

CEA is a major French research organisation with strong roots in fundamental research, that provides tangible solutions to meet industrial and societal needs in four key fields: low-carbon energy (nuclear and renewable); digital technology; technology for medicine of the future; defence and national security.

Thanks to its integrated energy vision, and its industrial strong connections, CEA plays a key role in the R&D for energy transition in France. This knowledge in various technological fields will be shared within the FACET framework.

Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA)
UGA is a leading European comprehensive university.

Academically, UGA is ranked in the top 150 of ARWU Shanghai’s ranking. UGA is a research-intensive university developing cutting age research from basic to applied research. Located in the heart of the French Alps, UGA is renowned for its scientific and technological research activities, aimed at providing essential training to students and faculty and at addressing societal issues. UGA is very active internationally, with 1,100 partnerships with foreign universities. 17% of its 60,000 students and 47% of its 2,700 PhDs are foreigners, and 155 nationalities are represented. 25% of its Masters courses are taught in English.

facet

Axens Joins FACET Group for Australian eFuel Plant Pre-FEED

Climate 4.0 Hub - Startup Application is now!

INFORMATION SESSION! (en français)

Trilateral hydrogen workshop: Australia, Japan, France

Sydney - 19.11.2025

FACET launches six new Franco-Australian projects to accelerate the energy transition

The Franco-Australian Indo-Pacific Centre for Energy Transition (FACET) is excited to announce six new collaborative projects set to fast-track innovation and real-world impact in the global energy transition.

FACET at the Australia–EU Hydrogen Supply Chain Forum in Perth

Perth, 3- 5 of September 2025 Strengthening EU–Australia Collaboration on Hydrogen

FACET announces speakers for Symposium 2025 held in Grenoble, France this October

The Franco-Australian Indo-Pacific Centre for Energy Transition (FACET) is excited to stage its second Symposium this October in Grenoble, France, unveiling the first wave of speakers, with more to come!

LOTUSim: Pioneering Real-Time Simulation for Offshore Wind Operations

FACET and Naval Group APAC have organised a workshop presenting the findings of amarket study on the use of the LOTUSim simulator in the offshore wind sector on July 28 in Adelaide

FAWIB X FACET - Women in Energy Mentorship Program

Empowering Women in Energy: Launch of a New Mentorship Program

COP29: $125 million to support the Pacific's renewable energy transition

Joint Media Release

FACET announces 6 French-Australian groundbreaking projects for 2024

6 projects launched in 2024 for an investment of 3.5 M AUD by FACET and its partners

FACET inaugural symposium

Come to our inaugural FACET symposium

French and Australian governments announce new partnership to tackle global energy crisis

The French and Australian governments have announced a historic new partnership to tackle climate change, launching FACET: the French-Australian Centre for Energy Transition .

About Swinburne, CEA and Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) Swinburne University of Technology

Perth, 3- 5 of September 2025
Strengthening EU–Australia Collaboration on Hydrogen

About Swinburne, CEA and Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA)

Swinburne University of Technology