The final concept designs have been released for the Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct, which will position the Hunter region as an industry leader in Australia’s shift to net zero.
Community members, prospective commercial partners, and international investors attended a virtual-reality tour of the site today, in which the future design of the precinct was created. The Clean Energy Precinct will be located on a disused 220-hectare site on Kooragang Island, which is north of Newcastle’s CBD and straddling the south channel of the Hunter River.
The Australian government invested $100 million allocated in the 22/23 Federal Budget, which will transform the Port of Newcastle site into a thriving industrial hub for the production, storage, distribution, and export of clean energy products, including green hydrogen and ammonia. The precinct will incorporate clean energy production and storage with the Hunter’s Hydrogen Hub gateway projects. This includes the New South Wales Renewable Energy Zones and offshore wind developments, positioning it as a significant part of the net-zero future.
The Port of Newcastle has been advancing Front-End Engineering and Design and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) work, supported by community consultation and industry participation, and today’s release of designs enables the public and prospective commercial partners to see the planned layout of the precinct infrastructure.
The precinct infrastructure encompasses electrical and water services, production facilities, storage, vehicle access, and pipelines for distribution and export.
The EIS will be made publicly available later in the year, and construction of the precinct is set to commence in 2027.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Minister Catherine King: “Australia’s largest coal port is diversifying its offering and preparing to accommodate new and growing industries on the shores of the Hunter River.
“Newcastle has always been one of the most productive industrial centres in Australia, and we’re ensuring its legacy continues with the Clean Energy Precinct. It’s crucial that we develop the infrastructure now to be prepared for Australia’s energy future, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here on Kooragang Island.”
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen: “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 decarbonisation of heavy industry and connect Australia’s renewable resources to the world. The Albanese Labor Government is supporting industrial regions like the Hunter to take advantage of the economic and job opportunities that come with reliable renewable energy.”
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon: “The Clean Energy Precinct will be the jewel in the crown of Newcastle’s future. It will create thousands of secure and well-paid jobs for Novocastrians, and stimulate the economy of the CBD and surrounds thanks to its central location. Being here today to see the plans first hand fills me with excitement for what the future holds for our city, it’s people, and the greater Hunter region.”