Port of Newcastle has taken another significant step in the development of its Clean Energy Precinct (CEP), signing a formal Advisory Agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd (MHI).
The agreement will allow the Port to leverage MHI’s technical expertise in hydrogen and ammonia production, storage, and distribution, providing valuable insights for the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) studies currently underway.
Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody, said the collaboration with MHI would be instrumental in shaping the Clean Energy Precinct’s future.
“MHI is at the forefront of next-generation clean energy technologies, so being able to tap into their expertise is incredibly valuable in informing the site layout, infrastructure, and design of the CEP,” Craig said.
“MHI’s Takasago Hydrogen Park is the first in the world to validate the full hydrogen value chain, and we will benefit from their experience in chemical plant projects, hydrogen production and handling, and ammonia synthesis and storage. This partnership will help position the CEP, the Port of Newcastle, and the Hunter Region as a global hydrogen hub.”
Senior Fellow and Chief Regional Officer for Asia Pacific & India at MHI, Takehiko Kikuchi, said the company was pleased to support the Port’s clean energy ambitions.
“We appreciate the invitation from the Port of Newcastle to be an advisor for the Clean Energy Precinct. It’s an honour to contribute our technical expertise in the hydrogen and ammonia value chain, and we look forward to supporting the team,” Takehiko said.
The Port of Newcastle’s CEP is currently the most advanced clean energy port development in Australia, being the only port at the FEED and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) stage. The $100 million grant-funded studies, administered by the NSW Government, are being conducted by Lumea (electrical infrastructure), CoNEXA (water services), and GHD (general infrastructure).
Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, said the Clean Energy Precinct would be an economic catalyst for the region.
“The Clean Energy Precinct ensures Newcastle continues to lead in clean energy production, storage, and export, while securing long-term economic opportunities for the Hunter,” Sharon said.
“Newcastle has powered Australia for generations, and this project ensures we will continue to do so for generations to come as we lead the transition to net zero.”
Once fully developed, the 220-hectare Clean Energy Precinct is expected to contribute $4.2 billion to the economy and generate thousands of new jobs in the Hunter Region by 2040.
IMAGE | Takehiko Kikuchi, Senior Fellow and Chief Regional Officer for Asia Pacific & India at MHI (left) and Craig Carmody, Port of Newcastle CEO (right).
