HYCEL – Hydrogen Technology Hub

Hycel Technology Hub – Hydrogen & Safety Facility
In Partnership with Hycel and Deakin University
Delivered by ARA Electrical Services

Client: Hycel, Deakin University
Location: Warrnambool, VIC
Sector: Hydrogen Research, Safety, and Education
ARA Role: Electrical Design Engineers & Hazardous Area Installation Electricians

Partnering to Power Australia’s Hydrogen Future

ARA Electrical Services was proud to partner with Hycel and Deakin University to help deliver the cutting-edge Hycel Technology Hub — a world-class facility dedicated to hydrogen safety, education, and applied innovation in clean energy systems.
As both electrical design engineers and hazardous area installation contractors, ARA brought technical expertise and practical delivery to every stage of this milestone project, contributing to one of Australia’s most advanced hydrogen-ready training and research environments.

Our Scope

Working closely with Hycel’s development and engineering teams, ARA delivered the following electrical scope:
  • Complete electrical system design tailored to hydrogen facility standards
  • Detailed hazardous area zoning and compliance strategy
  • Installation of integrated high-flow and low-pressure hydrogen supply systems
  • Electrical infrastructure for specialist laboratories and testing zones
  • Detection and shutdown systems interlocked with ventilation and safety controls
  • Standalone ventilation for 20+ air changes/hour in hydrogen zones
  • Coordination with mechanical, fire, and process services
We ensured that all works aligned with Hycel’s vision of a scalable, safe, and functional hydrogen development hub.

Facility Features

  • 4,000 NLPM hydrogen supply at 9bar (130 PSI)
  • Dual-zone hydrogen labs (incubator and high-flow)
  • Flame and gas detection in labs and heavy vehicle bays
  • Raked ceilings and ceiling-space detection
  • HAZOP-driven building and systems design
  • Real-time interlocks for fail-safe emergency response
  • Built-in education and training infrastructure

 National First in Hydrogen Safety

With its purpose-built design and best-practice safety systems, the Hycel Technology Hub supports:
  • Industry-scale hydrogen safety training
  • Hydrogen R&D partnerships
  • Curriculum delivery for hydrogen technology education
  • Innovation in decarbonised heavy transport systems
ARA is honoured to have played a central role in delivering this nationally significant project that pushes forward Australia’s clean energy agenda.

Your Partner in Hazardous Area Excellence

ARA Electrical Services brings deep expertise in hazardous area classification, hydrogen systems, and industrial energy infrastructure. Our partnership with Hycel reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering safe, future-ready solutions in Australia’s fast-growing hydrogen economy.