The Port of Newcastle and the broader Hunter region are on track to become hydrogen-ready and contribute to Australia’s journey to net zero.
Supported by $100 million in funding from the Federal Government, the Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct has reached a significant milestone, signing agreements for key design work and environmental impact studies.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “This Clean Energy Precinct demonstrates how legacy infrastructure can be repurposed to make Australia a renewable energy superpower.
“Through our investment, we are supporting Australia’s transition to net zero while creating jobs and economic opportunities in the Hunter region.”
The precinct will renew a disused 220-ha industrial site to facilitate clean energy production, storage, transmission, domestic distribution and international export.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said, “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 the decarbonisation of heavy industry and connect Australia’s renewable resources to the world.
The government is supporting these latest studies and procuring and delivering enabling works for the precinct. The project is being delivered with the New South Wales Government through a Federation Funding Agreement Schedule.
The Port of Newcastle plays an important economic role as a major deep-water global gateway.
The commencement of front-end engineering design (FEED) and environmental impact statement (EIS) studies follows previous work by the Port of Newcastle, including public and industry engagement and feasibility studies. The port will now undertake formal community consultation and further industry engagement.
Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody, said, “The Port of Newcastle Clean Energy Precinct is expected to support around 5,800 jobs throughout construction and provide new business growth and expanded career pathways for the region, adding an estimated $4.2 billion to the Hunter regional economy.
“The FEED and EIS studies will cover electrical infrastructure, water services, general infrastructure, storage, berth infrastructure and pipelines to berth. The studies will be completed by successful tenderers Lumea, coNEXA and GHD, informing future site enablement, site layout and land platform design, which will be used to prepare concept planning approvals.
For more information, visit www.portofnewcastle.com.au/landside/major-projects/clean-energy-precinct.
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