Port of Newcastle unveils clean energy vision
Australia’s deepwater global gateway has unveiled its blueprint for the Port of the Future, today releasing artist impression images of Stage 1 of its future Clean Energy Precinct site.
The 220-hectare parcel of Port land has been earmarked for development to position Newcastle and the Hunter Region as a leading production, storage and export hub for future clean energy products and technologies, including hydrogen and green ammonia.
“As the state’s dedicated hydrogen hub, Port of Newcastle has worked for over two years to accelerate plans for hydrogen readiness, domestic decarbonisation and clean energy export. The Clean Energy Precinct is a cornerstone of our diversification strategy and bringing to life, visually, for the community how we are planning to regenerate one of Newcastle’s most iconic sites to support future generations marks a significant project milestone,” Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said.
“This project positions us for the future, providing a once in a generation opportunity to reshape the Hunter region’s energy economy and drive the development of new trade flows and industries of the future."
“Through the Clean Energy Precinct, Port of Newcastle will support all hydrogen, and clean energy projects in the Hunter by providing land, utilities, storage, transport and export infrastructure and services – in turn generating over 5800 jobs, new educational pathways and expanded economic growth,” he said.
Joined by Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, the Port’s CEO, Craig Carmody, and Clean Energy Precinct lead, Chief Commercial Officer Simon Byrnes, three visual conceptual renders of Stage 1 of the landmark project were showcased, which has received a $100-million Commonwealth Government funding commitment.
Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, said Port of Newcastle’s clean energy diversification ensures the region remains an energy provider, both domestically and internationally for many years to come.
“Newcastle and the Hunter have powered Australia for generations. Positioning Newcastle as a clean energy hub will ensure we continue to do so for generations to come. The Albanese Labor Government’s $100 million commitment to the Port and investment in Fee-Free TAFE and New Energy Apprenticeships will ensure the Hunter’s skilled workforce can take full advantage of new energy jobs.”
Minister for the Hunter and NSW Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, said the benefits of the Port’s Clean Energy Precinct for our region cannot be understated.
“The Hunter’s economy is changing, and the opportunities in this Clean Energy Precinct will be massive. As we diversify our skills, business and jobs market the benefits of this precinct, which will be felt all across the Hunter."
Project lead and Chief Commercial Officer, Simon Byrnes, said the Clean Energy Precinct will leverage economies of scale by co-locating hydrogen producers, users and exporters in one location, whilst common-user shared infrastructure will drive down the cost of hydrogen.
“The establishment of Stage 1 of the Port’s Clean Energy Precinct would enable future production, storage, distribution and export of clean energy types for further development stages, including green hydrogen and green ammonia, using common user, shared infrastructure” said Simon Byrnes, Port of Newcastle’s Chief Commercial Officer.
“The Precinct will support a shared regional, state and national ambition towards decarbonisation, drive innovation, foster connections, accelerate technology to market and promote jobs growth.
“Fully constructed, the project would facilitate clean energy production, storage, transmission, domestic distribution and international export. Stage 1 of the project would comprise establishment of lead-in infrastructure including electrical infrastructure, water infrastructure and ancillary works, construction vehicle and workforce vehicle parking, construction laydown and stockpiles and construction of a clean energy storage facility,” he added.
Stage 1 construction is targeted to commence in 2025, subject to relevant planning approvals, with the Port aiming to have the Clean Energy Precinct fully operational in 2028.
The proposed Stage 1 of the Clean Energy Precinct Project development includes:
- Ancillary and civil works including site buildings, offices and administration facilities, internal roads, car parking, warehousing, laydown areas, storage yards, staging areas and a clean energy storage facility with associated pipeline infrastructure.
- Electrical infrastructure including grid connection, transmission infrastructure, substation and switchyard.
- Water and wastewater infrastructure including network connection and supply corridors
