The recent University of Otago physics PhD graduate won the Future Hydrogen Leader Award at the inaugural Aotearoa Hydrogen Awards — one of only two individual awards given at the presentation ceremony.
His research is focused on converting solar energy into hydrogen.
He specifically studied the ways in which metallic nanostructures absorb light, showing how this absorption and subsequent light-inducted production of hydrogen could be made more efficient and at a lower cost.
"The New Zealand government is keen to shift to renewable energy in 5-10 years, and I think this is a very huge step towards that," Dr Ijaz said.
His research could be used to power vehicles — particularly planes, he said.
Having hydrogen-powered aircraft was one of the targets for Air New Zealand.
He was delighted by the New Zealand Hydrogen Council’s recognition of his research work.
"It’s a wonderful award — I’m amazed."
Invercargill-based HW Richardson Group won the Hydrogen Transport Award for launching New Zealand’s first dual-fuel truck, which can run on both diesel and hydrogen.
Other winners in the inaugural awards were: Sir Stephen Tindall (Person of the Year Award) for his support of the development of a hydrogen industry in New Zealand; Emirates Team New Zealand (Innovation Excellence Award) for its hydrogen-powered foiling chase boat; Halcyon Power (Industry Impact Award) for operating New Zealand’s first MW-class green hydrogen production plant using geothermal derived electricity; and the Tuaropaki Trust (Our People Award) for its investment in hydrogen production.
