Port of Newcastle Clean Energy Precinct progresses towards hydrogen readiness
The Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct (CEP) moves forward with engineering and environmental agreements, advancing plans for clean energy production, storage, and export.
The Port of Newcastle has signed agreements covering the Front End Engineering Designs (FEED) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for its Clean Energy Precinct (CEP), which will enable the production, storage, distribution, and export of clean energy, including green hydrogen and green ammonia.
These agreements focus on essential infrastructure such as electrical systems, water services, general infrastructure, storage, berth infrastructure, and pipelines.
The CEP is a key element of the Port's diversification away from coal, supported by a $100 million grant from the Commonwealth Government to prepare the site for hydrogen production. CEO Craig Carmody highlighted the importance of this stage for the Hunter Region, saying, "This phase will determine the infrastructure and services critical to the progression of the Precinct’s development and push us further towards hydrogen readiness."
Agreements were signed with Lumea, CoNEXA, and GHD, with each taking responsibility for key areas. Lumea will manage the electrical infrastructure, while CoNEXA will handle water services, and GHD will oversee general infrastructure. The FEED and EIS studies will provide detailed planning for future environmental approvals and site development.
Carmody noted that the CEP is central to the Port’s shift towards clean energy, a move designed to benefit the community and the region. Once fully operational, the project is expected to contribute $4.2 billion to the Hunter economy and create 5,800 new jobs by 2040. The CEP also aligns with the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, which aims to boost renewable energy generation and storage in the state.
“The Clean Energy Precinct is a major economic boost for our region,” said Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon. “This project makes sure we will continue to [power Australia] for generations to come as we lead the transition to Net Zero. Establishing the Port as a hydrogen exporter will ensure good local jobs are protected and created into the future.”
NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, echoed these sentiments, noting the importance of the CEP in maintaining the region's role in supporting the state's energy needs. “The Hunter has powered our state for decades, and we’re ensuring it continues to do so for many years to come,” she said.
Local Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, who has been working with the Port over the past decade, highlighted Newcastle’s readiness for this transition, saying, "With Newcastle’s existing infrastructure and skilled workforce, there is no better place in NSW for this precinct."
