Hunter New Energy Week opened on Wednesday with a full day of industry presentations, regional site visits and networking, before shifting to an evening film screening ahead of today’s Hunter New Energy Symposium in Newcastle.
The first full day of activity brought together symposium delegates, businesses, researchers, manufacturers, government representatives and project developers for Hunter New Energy’s inaugural Industry Showcase and Tour, designed to provide a closer look at the depth of capability already operating across the region’s new energy sector.
The day concluded with the official launch of the 2026 Hunter New Energy Symposium at Tower Cinemas Newcastle, where attendees gathered for networking drinks and a screening of Planet Sun.
Created by filmmaker Andy Evans, the documentary explores humanity’s relationship with the sun, tracing its influence from ancient cultures and architecture through to renewable energy technologies.
The evening focused on bringing people together ahead of a week centred on energy, industry, innovation and transition, while encouraging new connections across the sector.
Showcase presentations bring together regional expertise
Wednesday morning began at HunterNet, where delegates attended a series of short presentations from organisations involved in clean energy, storage, circular economy projects, fuels, electrification, manufacturing, EV infrastructure, land use and grid technologies.
The format gave attendees an overview of projects, technologies and industrial capability already operating in the Hunter, while also providing context from initiatives including TRaCE and the Net Zero Economy Authority.
Presenters included representatives from CO2 Australia, Energy Diversions, NextFarm Australia, Facet Amtech, FPR Energy, Sunman Energy, UEG Energy, Biodiesel Industries Australia, Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists, Allegro Energy and MGA Thermal.
Site visits focus on industrial capability
In the afternoon, delegates boarded a coach sponsored by ATB Morton for site visits across the Hunter, including confirmed stops at ATB Morton in Tomago and Allegro Energy at Eraring Power Station.
Hunter New Energy said the visit to ATB Morton offered a practical example of manufacturing capability already present in the region.
“The fabrication skills, facilities, workforce and practical know-how needed to support major new energy projects are already here,” the organisation said.
At Eraring, attendees viewed Allegro Energy’s battery storage technology operating at one of the sites that has powered the region for decades.
“At Eraring Power Station, seeing Allegro Energy’s battery storage solution on site showed another side of the transition: emerging technology being deployed in the places that have powered our region for generations,” Hunter New Energy said.
The showcase format also includes an opportunity for the standout presentation to deliver a three-minute pitch at Thursday evening’s Industry Gala Dinner in front of investors, government representatives and major project developers.
Symposium discussions begin today
Attention now turns to the Hunter New Energy Symposium, taking place throughout Thursday at Newcastle City Hall.
The event is expected to bring together industry, investors, government representatives, procurement teams, developers and media for more structured discussions about energy, manufacturing and industrial change in the region.
