media statement chevron brings world’s largest hydrogen grand prix to WA schools
Atwell College students with Chevron's Australia Energy Transition Advisor and H2GP Ambassador, Skye Scrutton
PERTH, 1 May 2024 – Western Australian (WA) high school students will have the opportunity to compete in the world’s largest hydrogen educational program, the Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP), which is coming to WA for the first time this year.
With support from Chevron Australia Pty Ltd, school teams from across Perth will have the chance to put their energy engineering skills to the test – racing self-built, hydrogen-powered small model remote-control cars in an 'endurance race'.
Twenty teams each comprising two students from 15 schools will participate in the WA program this year.
Each school will receive equipment and support from Horizon Educational and Australian Earth Science Education to deliver an engaging, challenging and capacity building program for their teams.
The winner of the WA finals, which will be held on 26 July 2024 in Perth, will compete in the World Finals in Anaheim, California, in September 2024.
“Chevron is dedicated to fostering the next generation of big thinkers. The Hydrogen Grand Prix WA invests in the young minds that will help shape Australia’s energy future by inspiring them to engage with STEM as well as exciting future career paths available in the energy industry.”
Skye Scrutton
Chevron Australia Energy Transition Advisor and Chevron’s H2GP Ambassador
Kamil Jelinek, CEO of Horizon Educational said, “Building a future hydrogen workforce is the key mission of our organisation.
"Today these young people are learning about renewable energy through racing 1:10 scale hydrogen-powered cars. Tomorrow they’ll be leading innovation, building the fuel cells, electrolysers and wind turbines that will power Westen Australia for decades to come.”
Jo Watkins, CEO of Australian Earth Science Education said, “The Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix is an exciting opportunity to empower participating Western Australian schools to foster further appreciation of the Earth Sciences and the development of vital STEM skills in their students.
"As an organisation that has been working alongside Chevron for more than 16 years, to support Earth Science and STEM education in Western Australian schools, we are thrilled to assist in the delivery of this future focused program.”
About Chevron Australia
Chevron is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies and through its Australian subsidiaries, has been present in Australia for 70 years. With the ingenuity and commitment of thousands of workers, Chevron Australia operates the Gorgon and Wheatstone natural gas facilities; manages its equal one-sixth interest in the North West Shelf Venture; operates Australia’s largest onshore oilfield on Barrow Island; and is a significant investor in exploration. Chevron Australia Downstream delivers quality fuels and lubricants primarily via its Caltex network of service stations across Australia.
About Horizon Educational
Founded in 2003, Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies began the sale of miniature fuel cells to demonstrate the technology to schools and students around the world, while investing in R&D of more advanced products and industrial applications. In 2013, Horizon Educational Group was formed as an independent division dedicated to the deployment of a complete range of educational solutions. Horizon Educational develop, produce, and distribute hands-on teaching material and didactic equipment as well as online curricula and educational programs. With distributors in over 150 countries, the STEM kits and technical training equipment have an international reputation for quality, educational content, and award-winning design. Discover more at horizoneducational.com.
About Australian Earth Science Education
Australian Earth Science Education (AusEarthEd) has been working within Western Australian schools for more than 17 years, to improve Earth Science and STEM education outcomes. On a non-profit basis, AusEarthEd works with educational bodies and the resources industry to provide free educational resources, to deliver hands-on incursions into classrooms and to support educators, through professional development and mentoring. More recently, AusEarthEd has grown their support for schools into the Northern Territory and New South Wales, engaging with more than 17,000 students and 2,000 educators, across Australia, in 2023.
