Warners Bay High School has won the H2 Grand Prix NSW World Qualifier race, securing a place in the World Final in Chemnitz, Germany, in August funded by the Port of Newcastle.

Their team ‘Bay Rollers’ completed 542 laps in four hours to take out the Endurance Award and win the overall race. They also won the award for the Fastest Pit Stop.

Rutherford Technology High School’s all-girls team, ‘Pink Nova’, also won awards for Innovation and Girls in STEM, securing them a wildcard entry to the World Finals. With the support of its partners, Port of Newcastle will fund travel costs for the students from both schools to attend the final in Europe next month.

This is the first time Hunter schools have participated in the world’s biggest hydrogen competition, with Port of Newcastle inspired to bring the global competition to the region while attending the 2024 World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam.

The Port has funded the program for students from Warners Bay High School, Rutherford Technology High School, Irrawang High School, Merewether High School, and Callahan College Waratah Campus.

Students from 16 NSW schools raced for four hours at the University of Wollongong today, with Warners Bay ultimately crossing the finish line in first position. Irrawang High School came second, Callaghan College Waratah Campus third, Merewether High School eleventh, and Rutherford Technology High School in fourteenth place.

Nicholas Homard, aged 16, from Warners Bay High School said he is thrilled to be crowned champions of the H2GP in Australia.

“It feels amazing to have won today after only starting six months ago and never having done anything like this before. We’re so proud of our team for bringing a win for our school and the Hunter Region. We’re so grateful for Port of Newcastle’s support, and that of our teachers and our University of Newcastle mentors.

“We faced some problems during the race today, and Irrawang put up a real fight, but with teamwork and perseverance, we were able to innovate and overcome these challenges.”

Executive Manager Infrastructure Services, Raymond Hohle said, “This simply an outstanding result. Warners Bay High School were impressive all day and their win shows that we’ve got the world’s brightest and most innovative young minds right here in the Hunter.

“Our Clean Energy Precinct is central to the future prosperity of Hunter Region economy. On track for operations by 2030, Port of Newcastle is helping engage the Precinct’s future workers as early as possible through programs like the H2 Grand Prix.

“Congratulations to all our Hunter schools – you all represent our Region’s next generation of clean energy engineers, designers, technicians, leaders, and thinkers.”

Warners Bay High School and Rutherford Technology High School will represent Australia at the H2GP World Final in Chemnitz, Germany, from 20-27 August 2025.

IMAGE | Warners Bay High School team ‘Bay Rollers’