The Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct (CEP) has reached a significant milestone with the signing of agreements for the Front End Engineering Designs (FEED) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).
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 agreements cover essential infrastructure such as electrical systems, water services, storage facilities, berth infrastructure, and pipelines to the berth. The FEED and EIS are important steps in advancing the development of the CEP as a hydrogen-ready facility.
The agreements are part of a broader initiative funded by the Commonwealth Government’s $100 million grant, aimed at preparing the CEP for future hydrogen operations. CEO Craig Carmody, along with Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP, marked the occasion during an on-site visit, highlighting the progress being made towards establishing the region as a clean energy hub.
“I thank the Commonwealth and NSW Governments for their support, buoyed by our supporting industry partnerships, which has helped position the Port and our entire region as a leader for the future of clean energy production,” Craig said.
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.
“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,” Sharon said.
“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 NSW Government’s objectives to accelerate decarbonisation and clean energy opportunities by increasing renewable energy generation, storage, and investment under the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap,” she added.
“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,” NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, 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,” State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, said.
“We are excited to deliver the FEED for water services at the Clean Energy Precinct. As the nominated water services provider for the CEP, we are uniquely positioned to optimise and integrate the various water services to ensure overall water consumption is minimised and recycling is maximised. Sustainable water services are perfectly aligned with the vision of the CEP and will support our region’s transition to a clean energy future,” coNEXA CEO, Kurt Dahl said.
IMAGE | Port of Newcastle set its sights on net zero
