The successful port on Australia's east coast has recently celebrated a prestigious award nomination which it says is proof its hard work advancing hydrogen production has paid off.
The Port of Newcastle in New South Wales (NSW) says its work towards advocating hydrogen production has paid off as it receives global recognition for its efforts at the World Hydrogen Awards. The port is a finalist for Port of the Future at the awards show in the Netherlands next month.
The Awards, which will be held during the 2023 World Hydrogen Summit and Exhibition in May, recognises the achievements from Ports and organisations across the globe who are driving the hydrogen industry forward, with Port of Newcastle one of four finalists recognised alongside ports from Denmark and the Netherlands.
Port of Newcastle says that since it has become the Commonwealth Government’s designated hydrogen hub for NSW, it has been accelerating plans following last year’s funding announcement of $100 million from the Commonwealth for hydrogen readiness for domestic decarbonisation and export.
Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody, says the nomination is recognition for the work and commitment the organisation has to diversifying the Port.
“We have long held the title of the “World’s Largest Coal Port”, however, as a business we have made a commitment to diversify our trade, with clean energy production featuring prominently in those plans’, Carmody says.
“This award nomination places us alongside some of the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking ports, which shows the world is taking notice of what our intent is and what we are trying to achieve.
“There is no port in Australia better positioned to undertake such a significant global shift in energy production, Port of Newcastle has been exporting to energy markets across the globe for over 200 years and through our Clean Energy Precinct we will continue that for generations to come.”
Port of Newcastle says its future plans include activating its 220-hectare Clean Energy Precinct for the production, storage and export of all forms of clean energy, a clean manufacturing and innovation precinct, a dedicated renewable energy logistics park and a floating offshore wind construction, operation and maintenance facility.