CEO Craig Carmody believes the Clean Energy Precinct site will position the Port of Newcastle (PoN) perfectly moving forward.
Australia’s deepwater global gateway unveiled its blueprint for the Port of the Future on Wednesday 3 May, releasing artist impression images of stage one.
The 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; and
- Water and wastewater infrastructure including network connection and supply corridors.
The 220-hectare parcel of PoN land was earmarked to set Newcastle and the Hunter up as a leading production, storage and export hub for future clean energy products and technologies, including hydrogen and green ammonia.
Mr Carmody said the project would generate more than 5,800 jobs, new educational pathways and expanded economic growth.
“As the state’s dedicated hydrogen hub, we’ve worked for over two years to accelerate plans for hydrogen readiness, domestic decarbonisation and clean energy export,” he explained.
“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 milestone.
“It will provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the region’s energy economy and drive the development of new trade flows and industries.
“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.”
Three visual conceptual renders of stage one was showcased, which has received a $100 million commonwealth government funding commitment.
Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said PoN’s clean energy diversification ensured the region remained an energy provider, both domestically and internationally for many years to come.
“Newcastle and the Hunter have powered Australia for generations,” she stated.
“Positioning Newcastle as a clean energy hub will ensure we continue to do so for generations to come.
“The Albanese Labor government’s promise to the PoN and investment in Fee-Free TAFE and New Energy Apprenticeships will make sure the Hunter’s skilled workforce can take full advantage of new energy jobs.”
Minister for the Hunter Tim Crakanthorp added the benefits of the Port’s Clean Energy Precinct for the region could not be understated.
“The Hunter’s economy is changing and the opportunities in this will be massive,” he said.
“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 project would leverage economies of scale by co-locating hydrogen producers, users and exporters in one location, while common-user shared infrastructure would drive down the cost of hydrogen.
“The establishment of stage one will 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,” he told the media.
“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.”
Stage one construction is targeted to begin in 2025, subject to relevant planning approvals, with the Port of Newcastle aiming to have the Clean Energy Precinct fully-operational in 2028.
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