UQ receives $1.5m gift for e-mobility research

The Trevor and Judith St Baker Family Foundation have gifted the University of Queensland (UQ) $1.5 million, which will help fund green technology research and position Brisbane at the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) charging technology and manufacturing.

The gift will establish a visiting fellowship that will bring an expert to UQ to advance environmentally friendly transport options, known as ‘e-mobility’.

“The visiting fellow will contribute to the global research initiative Rapid Switch Project, finding solutions to help reduce global reliance on carbon-based fuels and products,” said UQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj.

“This partnership exemplifies the cross-disciplinary nature of the green technology research that UQ is involved in alongside our partners in education, industry and philanthropy.”

Named after e-mobility company Tritium, the Tritium e-Mobility Visiting Fellowship is a collaboration between the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund, UQ, Tritium and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Energy Institute, where the visiting fellow and researchers will spend part of their time in Australia.

According to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, Brisbane has already positioned itself as a global leader in e-mobility technology and manufacturing. For example, Brisbane-based Tritium currently produces the world’s smallest DC fast charger for EVs and has captured 8% of the global EV charger market. Green energy investment, like this gift from the St Bakers, will help solidify Brisbane’s position by allowing UQ to continue to develop green energy technology.

Since founding ERM Power Limited, which has transformed from an energy consulting practice into one of Australia’s largest energy retail and generation companies, Trevor St Baker has gone on to fund other companies that are shaping the future of power in Australia.

St Baker, Chairman of Tritium, said he believed Australia’s transition to a sustainable, low-emission, electronically driven energy industry required a wider range of research, development and technological leadership.

“The electrification of the transport sector has the potential to radically change how people procure and manage energy resources for all their needs,” he said. “We want to continue to ensure the best and brightest minds in Australia are given optimal opportunity to be part of the global knowledge economy in the transport sector, and to shape a sustainable future.”

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