Energy and Resources Breakfast | Energy diversification and the Hunter’s next opportunities

As governments, industry and energy providers accelerate the transition to lower-emissions energy systems, renewable gas is rapidly emerging as a key part of the conversation.

From biomethane and renewable fuels to alternative gas infrastructure and industrial decarbonisation, renewable gas is expected to play an important role in supporting energy reliability, manufacturing capability and emissions reduction across NSW.

Join Business Hunter for a timely Energy and Resources Breakfast exploring the future of renewable gas, the policy settings shaping the sector, and what this means for business, infrastructure and regional industry.

The session will begin with an address from Eric Kimmel, Manager, Low Carbon Industry Programs, providing insight into the NSW Government’s ambitions for renewable gas development, including the Renewable Gas Production Program and broader priorities supporting low-carbon industry growth.

Attendees will then hear from a panel of industry, research and energy leaders discussing the practical opportunities, challenges and infrastructure required to scale renewable gas capability across the Hunter and beyond.

Panel contributors include:

• Dr Jessica Allen, Deputy Director, ARC Centre of Excellence on Renewable Fuels, University of Newcastle, discussing the Centre’s research themes, goals and emerging opportunities in renewable gases
• Cissy Shen, Engagement Lead – Future Networks, Jemena,  highlighting Jemena’s support for the renewable gas industry and how they are facilitating connections into the Jemena Gas Network to provide a decarbonisation option for customers
• Representative from  NALG Envirotech, sharing perspectives on renewable gas innovation, projects underway in the region, infrastructure and industry development
• Leah Tucker, Policy Lead, Business NSW, facilitating the discussion and bringing insights from Business NSW’s Running on Empty 2.0 advocacy work

Key themes will include:

• NSW Government priorities, policy direction and grant funding for renewable gas
• Infrastructure, innovation and emerging industry capability
• The role of renewable gas in supporting industry and manufacturing
• Research, commercialisation and investment opportunities in the Hunter
• Energy security, emissions reduction and economic growth

As one of Australia’s leading energy and industrial regions, the Hunter is uniquely positioned to help shape the next generation of energy solutions. This session will provide insights into where the sector is heading, what leaders across government and industry are prioritising, and how businesses can engage in the transition early.

​Tuesday 16 June 2026 | 7:00am – 9:00am | McDonald Jones Stadium
​In partnership with the University of Newcastle