The federal government has unveiled the final design plans for Australia’s most advanced clean energy production project that will be based at the Port of Newcastle.
The port’s Clean Energy Precinct (CEP) now has final design plans available, signalling the precinct’s readiness to the global energy market.
Federal climate change and energy minister Chris Bowen joined deputy speaker Sharon Claydon and Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody at the site to unveil the plans.
“The Hunter has been an industrial and economic powerhouse for decades, making the Port of Newcastle an ideal location for a Clean Energy Precinct that can support decarbonisation of heavy industry and connect Australia’s renewable resources to the world,” Bowen says.
“The federal government is supporting industrial regions like the Hunter to take advantage of the economic and job opportunities that come with reliable renewable energy.”
Carmody says the milestone is the precinct’s biggest to date since the $100 million investment was made by the federal government.
“The final design for the Clean Energy Precinct is an important milestone in the project and for the future of clean energy in the Hunter region,” he says.
“This is the design that Port of Newcastle is offering global clean energy production companies and directs the planning approvals the Port will be seeking.”
Now, engineering and design studies are underway and are due to finish by the end of the year, with the results, alongside community consultation, set to shape the design and concept planning approvals.
“We are building for the future of our region, city, and port. As the design shows, we can accommodate different forms of clean energy, including ammonia and hydrogen. Port of Newcastle has always said we are agnostic when it comes to the type of clean energy produced at the Port’s Clean Energy Precinct,” Carmody says.
“Our job is to ensure that, when coal finally declines, we still have energy from the Hunter and Newcastle to export to the world. This design proves this goal can be achieved.
“We have received strong international interest in occupying these sites, particularly from partners in Germany, Japan and South Korea. This level of global engagement demonstrates the confidence that leading economies have in Port of Newcastle’s vision and Australia’s potential as a clean energy powerhouse.
“Alongside Port of Newcastle’s other strategic diversification projects, the CEP will ensure Port of Newcastle remains a resilient, future-focused gateway for Australia’s trade and energy needs.”
Federal transport and infrastructure minister Catherine King says Australia’s largest coal port is now “diversifying its offering” to accommodate “new and growing industries” on the Hunter River.
“Newcastle has always been one of the most productive industrial centres in Australia, and we’re ensuring its legacy continues with the Clean Energy Precinct,” King says.
“It’s crucial that we develop the infrastructure now to be prepared for Australia’s energy future, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here on Kooragang Island.”
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