Gippsland Tech School, with support from Latrobe City Council, will host the Horizon H2 Grand Prix at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium next month.
To be held on Tuesday 18 August 2026, the event will provide Victorian secondary school students with the opportunity to explore hydrogen technology, engineering and clean energy innovation.
The Horizon H2 Grand Prix challenges students to design, build and race hydrogen-powered remote cars in a four-hour endurance event, with teams competing for the title of 2026 Victorian Champion. The winning team will progress to the Horizon H2 Grand Prix World Finals in 2027, where teams from up to 16 countries will compete.
Nineteen teams will participate in the Victorian world final qualifier and will include students from Korumburra Secondary School, Mirboo North Secondary School, Kurnai College, Lavalla Catholic College and Traralgon College. Teams are being supported by local industry sponsors, with training provided through Gippsland Tech School and TAFE Gippsland.
Visiting teams from South Australia and New Zealand are also scheduled to participate, providing Victorian students with the opportunity to compete against experienced national and international teams.
As the region continues to diversify its economy and leverage opportunities in clean energy and emerging industries, the Horizon H2 Grand Prix is helping to build awareness of future career pathways while developing practical skills aligned with workforce demand.
The event also demonstrates the strong collaboration occurring across education, industry and government to prepare the next generation of engineers, technicians and innovators who will help shape Australia's energy future.
The Horizon H2 Grand Prix will coincide with the 2026 Gippsland New Energy Conference (GNEC) to be held at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre from 18 to 19 August 2026. This year’s conference brings together more than 150 speakers across 80 sessions, showcasing the latest developments in renewable energy, climate action, workforce development, community engagement, agricultural sustainability, offshore wind and regional economic transition.
Students will also have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and gain an understanding of the careers, technologies and transformational projects driving the region's clean energy future.
Entry to the Horizon H2 Grand Prix is free for spectators. Tickets for the 2026 Gippsland New Energy Conference, Australia's leading regional energy transition conference, are available at www.gnec.com.au.