Community & Business
23 March, 2026
Hydrogen Horizon team locked in again for another year
Oakey State High School’s Hydrogen Horizon Team program has been secured for another year thanks to a $14,000 contribution from New Acland Coal’s Community Investment Fund.
The program, which supercharges students’ passion for science, sees students design, engineer, build, and race a hydrogen-powered car.
Head of Science and Agriculture at Oakey State High School and program coordinator, Jelena Edhouse said the Hydrogen Horizon Program has surged in popularity over the past four years, with more than 70 per cent of senior students now studying a science subject.
“Science participation at Oakey State High School is at an all-time high because of the program,” Ms Edhouse said.
“In addition to more students studying physics and chemistry, there has also been a jump in the number of students studying biology and agriculture, due to the Hydrogen Horizon sustainability curriculum embedded into Year 9 and 10 Science.
“New Acland Coal’s $14,000 grant will fund two hydrogen powered cars, and male and female race teams and the opportunity for students to compete in a variety of competitions.
“The winner of the regional competition gains automatic entry into the 2027 World Championships.
“Thank you, New Acland Coal for supporting Oakey State High School, and for believing in our students.”
NAC General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer said the New Acland Coal Community Investment Fund supports the long-term wellbeing, economic development, and social cohesion of the region.
“Our focus is supporting regional skills development and economic diversification, community infrastructure and connectivity, health and wellbeing, youth and community engagement, and environmental and heritage preservation,” Mr O’Dwyer said.
“It’s brilliant New Acland Coal can support science students at Oakey State High School and fuel their passion for science.
“New Acland Coal has a long and proud history of supporting and financially backing the local community via strong investment in the towns surrounding New Acland Mine.
“Sponsoring and supporting local community groups, sporting teams, charities, and schools, like Oakey State High School, allows New Acland Coal to build stronger and more sustainable communities surrounding our operation.”
NAC’S Community Investment Fund is informed by its Community Needs Analysis.
