Hunter schools bound for Germany to compete on world stage
Two Hunter high school teams have departed for Germany to represent Australia at the World Finals of the H2 Grand Prix – the world’s largest hydrogen competition for students.
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Two Hunter high school teams have departed for Germany to represent Australia at the World Finals of the H2 Grand Prix – the world’s largest hydrogen competition for students.
The ‘Bay Rollers’ from Warners Bay High School and ‘Pink Nova Racing’ from Rutherford Technology High School are travelling to Chemnitz, Germany, where they will compete against 53 other teams from across the globe to determine the world’s best hydrogen racers.
This is the first time Hunter schools are being represented on this global stage – a milestone made possible with the support of the Port of Newcastle, who brought the H2GP to region for the first time in 2025.
Port Executive Manager Infrastructure Services, Raymond Hohle, said:
“The Port is incredibly proud of everything the Bay Rollers and Pink Nova Racing have achieved throughout the program. Now, they’ll have the chance to showcase the Hunter’s emerging talent in hydrogen innovation on the world stage.
“Competitions like the H2 Grand Prix give students real-world skills, teamwork experience, and exposure to global leaders in renewable energy and technology and that’s why we brought the competition to the Hunter Region for the first time.
“This is exactly the kind of opportunity that helps inspire the next generation of innovators and reinforces the Hunter’s role as a future hub for clean energy, including our Clean Energy Precinct,” he said.
Fifty-five teams are competing, from countries including USA, Slovakia, Chile, Azerbaijan, Netherlands, UAE, Canada, and Taiwan. There are 11 teams from Australia, with Rutherford Technology High’s team and almost half of the Australian contingent also involved in the dedicated Girls in STEM category.
The week-long experience will go beyond competition, offering cultural exchanges, university tours, technical workshops, and the opportunity to meet and collaborate with peers and industry experts from around the world.
The students’ participation has been generously supported by Clean Energy Precinct partners Lumea, GHD, and coNEXA. Their trip to Germany has also been made possible thanks to Lake Macquarie City Council, and the University of Newcastle, with additional support from Frontline Hobbies.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz is a former Warners Bay High School student and said Lake Macquarie City Council’s sponsorship reflected the city’s commitment to clean energy, embracing innovation and the incredible potential of its young people to lead the way in emerging technologies.
“We’re proud to support the brilliant young minds at Warners Bay High School as they represent our region on the global stage at the Hydrogen Grand Prix in Germany,” he said.
“Their success in the NSW qualifier is a testament to the power of innovation, teamwork, and STEM education.”
coNEXA CEO, Kurt Dahl said:
“Good luck from all of us at coNEXA Infrastructure Partners to the Hunter teams – Warners Bay’s Bay Rollers and Rutherford’s Pink Nova Racing – as they head to the Hydrogen Grand Prix World Final in Chemnitz, Germany.
“With passionate young innovators like these, the future of clean energy is in great hands.”
University of Newcastle Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Engineering, Science and Environment, Professor Craig Simmons, said:
“The University is delighted to support these promising young teams as they take their innovations to the world stage.
“Our academics have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside these talented students and sharing their technical knowledge to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers. We wish the Bay Rollers and Pink Nova Racing every success in Germany.”
Lumea Executive General Manager, Craig Stallan, said: “
We are delighted to partner with the Port of Newcastle to confidently showcase the Hunter’s best and brightest students on the global stage in Germany. We wish the future leaders of Australia’s clean energy transition all the best in Chemnitz.”