Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct (CEP) has reached a major milestone, signing agreements for key design work and environmental impact studies.
The precinct will renew a disused 220-hectare industrial site to facilitate clean energy production, storage, transmission, domestic distribution and international export.
The Front End Engineering Designs (FEED) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) cover electrical infrastructure, water services, general infrastructure, storage, berth infrastructure and pipelines to berth.
The agreements are funded as part of the Federal Government’s $100 million grant for the CEP for hydrogen readiness.
Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody, said the agreements marked a significant step forward for the Hunter Region.
“The Clean Energy Precinct is central to the Port of Newcastle’s diversification strategy to create the Port that our community, our region, and our state needs for the future,” Mr Carmody said.
“This phase will determine the infrastructure and services critical to the progression of the Precinct’s development and push us further towards hydrogen readiness.
“Once fully developed, the CEP will contribute $4.2 billion and is estimated to generate 5,800 new jobs to the Hunter Region by 2040, while supporting the New South Wales Government’s objectives to accelerate decarbonisation and clean energy opportunities by increasing renewable energy generation, storage, and investment under the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.
The FEED and EIS studies will be completed by successful tenderers Lumea (electrical), CoNEXA (water) and GHD (general infrastructure), informing future site enablement, site layout, and land platform design, which will be used to prepare environmental planning approvals.
The CEP will enable the production, storage, distribution and export of clean energy such as green hydrogen and green ammonia. Fully constructed, the project will facilitate clean energy production, storage, transmission, domestic distribution, and international export.
Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, said, “The Clean Energy Precinct is a major economic boost for our region. Newcastle and the Hunter have powered Australia for Generations. This project makes sure we will continue to do so 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.”
New South Wales Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, said, “The Hunter has powered our state for decades and we’re ensuring it continues to do so for many years to come. Our energy market is transforming and we’re playing a central role; this project will support almost 6,000 local jobs and add billions to the regional economy. Today’s announcement will help ensure a bright future for the Hunter.”
State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, said, “I’ve been working closely with the Port of Newcastle over the last ten years to support them in their diversification away from coal. With Newcastle’s existing infrastructure and skilled workforce, there is no better place in NSW for this precinct.”
