Shellharbour City Council is proud to mentor the next generation of clean energy leaders, backing two local high schools as they competed in the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) NSW final today at the University of Wollongong.
Caption: Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer and St Joseph's Catholic High School's team Joey's Ignition. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
The H2GP is a global education program that challenges students to apply science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills to build and race model hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Students from Lake Illawarra High School and St Joseph's Catholic High School took part in the exciting STEM challenge, where they designed, built and raced hydrogen-powered remote control cars in a four-hour endurance event.
Shellharbour City Council played a key role in the lead up to the event, delivering classroom presentations on sustainability and the future of clean energy as part of the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program. On race day, Council continued its support by hosting an environment information stall at the pre-race 2025 STEM Careers & Clean Energy Expo and cheered teams on from the side lines.
Mayor Chris Homer said the event was a great example of learning and fun coming together.
"It was fantastic to see our local students getting stuck into such a hands-on experience while learning more about engineering, clean energy and teamwork. You could see the pride on their faces as their cars hit the track," Mayor Homer said.
"Programs like this help students build real skills, understand how sustainability and engineering work in everyday life, and think about future career pathways. It shows how science and sustainability can lead to exciting opportunities in areas like renewable energy, design and transport."
The Hydrogen Grand Prix is one of many programs helping students connect classroom learning with real-world challenges. By taking part, students not only built cars, but also confidence and a deeper understanding of how science and sustainability can shape the future. Supporting programs like H2GP aligns with Council's commitment to sustainability and building skills for the future in our local community.
Shellharbour City Council congratulates all the students, teachers and organisers involved in making the day such a success.
