Hybrid energy systems: technologies to embrace for the future
Queensland University of Technology
Ian Mackinnon obtained his BSc (Hons) and PhD degrees at James Cook University, Australia and is the Founder and former Executive Director of the Institute for Future Environments (IFE) at QUT. He leads the establishment of a renewable hydrogen pilot plant co-funded by the Australian Renewables Energy Agency (ARENA), industry, state government and four universities. Professor Mackinnon is currently Director of QUT’s Centre for Clean Energy Technologies and Practices and advisor to the Queensland Government on hydrogen.
Prior to his roles at QUT, Prof Mackinnon was Executive Director at the Australian Research Council responsible for Engineering and Environmental Sciences and directed the Linkage Projects Scheme for University–Industry collaborative research. He has held appointments at Arizona State University, NASA Johnson Space Centre, The University of New Mexico in the USA and at The University of Queensland.
Professor Mackinnon has experience in the science and technology of materials and their use in industry encompassing senior management roles in technology start-up companies providing environmentally effective materials for the chemicals and wastewater treatment industries. Prof Mackinnon has served as stakeholder representative or board member for four CRCs, helped establish key CRCs in the minerals and energy sectors and currently serves on an advisory committee to the Blue Economy CRC.