Category: Policy and Legislation

Young Hunter locals offered a say in regional decision-making

Applications are now open for the 2025 Youth Committee for the Hunter, offering locals aged 18–35 the chance to contribute directly to decisions shaping the

Industry, government, and research to tackle real-world energy solutions in Newcastle

The Hunter New Energy Symposium 2025, held in Newcastle on 21-22 May, will gather industry, government, and researchers to focus on real-world implementation of clean
Artist's impression of the AGL Tomago battery energy storage system project.

Security measures tight as Dutton visits Tomago on campaign trail

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton visited Tomago today, warning that the future of Tomago Aluminium Smelter is at risk without nuclear power, while also raising concerns
Australian fifty dollar banknote representing energy costs, savings, or investment.

Government Budget investment in clean energy and workforce skills to flow into the Hunter

Budget support to strengthen supply chains and create opportunities in the Hunter, while tax incentives and grants encourage investment in clean energy and advanced manufacturing
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Nuclear Inquiry Finds Long Delays and High Costs, Interim Report Shows

An interim report from the House Select Committee on Nuclear Energy suggests that nuclear power would take decades to implement in Australia and come at

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Tax Credit Bill to Support Growth in Hydrogen and Critical Minerals Passes Senate

The Federal Government has passed new tax credits for hydrogen and critical minerals, providing production-based incentives to support industry growth and job creation. The Federal

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Hunter Transmission Project and Renewable Energy Zone Plans Move Forward

The NSW Government is progressing key energy projects in the Hunter region, with commitments from Transgrid and Ausgrid that will support the transition to renewable

march knowledge exchange news

Book Now for New.e’s Knowledge Exchange Event on the Impacts of Offshore Wind

The upcoming New.E Knowledge Exchange event will provide an opportunity for industry professionals and the local community to engage with environmental considerations of offshore wind

25 symposium news

Coming to the 2025 Hunter New Energy Symposium in March? Early Bird Ticketing is Ending Soon

It’s your last chance to save with Early Bird Tickets for the 2025 Hunter New Energy Symposium available until January 31. New.E’s mission is to

Explore Newcastle’s role in decarbonisation at the Hunter Climate Innovation and Investment Summit

If you are involved in the local new energy sector, you must not miss the upcoming one-day summit on climate technology, investment, and decarbonisation opportunities

Parliament passes Guarantee of Origin Scheme to track renewable electricity and low-emissions products

The voluntary certification program will help Australian industries meet demand for verified clean energy and products.

Expert panel to review Australia’s R&D system for maximum impact

A comprehensive review announced today aims to assess how Australia's research and development system can better support economic growth, productivity, and commercial outcomes.

Australia tables tax incentive legislation to accelerate renewable hydrogen and critical minerals industries

The new tax measures, promised in the 2024-25 Budget, aim to attract investment, strengthen energy security, and create opportunities for local communities.

Have your say: Government seeks hydrogen industry feedback on Carbon Leakage Review

Submissions will help shape Australia's final report on addressing carbon leakage challenges, due by the end of 2024.

New guidelines aim to improve NSW renewable project transparency and community benefits

The new Renewable Energy Planning Framework addresses renewable project impacts and streamlines assessments, with increased support for host communities.

Australia and UK strengthen partnership by announcing co-funding for hydrogen projects

The Australia-UK Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Partnerships aim to drive advancements in hydrogen technologies, helping to decarbonise industries and create job opportunities.

Book now for Hunter energy event that will explore innovation and future project opportunities

The final event in the Hunter Innovation Festival’s roadshow will feature NewH2, and focus on new energy projects and innovative pathways for local businesses to

Federal Committee Calls for Submissions on Nuclear Energy Inquiry

The newly established House Select Committee on Nuclear Energy is seeking public submissions on the potential role of nuclear power in Australia’s energy future.

Australian Hydrogen Council backs Guarantee of Origin Scheme in parliamentary submission

The Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) has endorsed the proposed Guarantee of Origin (GO) Scheme legislation, which aims to certify low-emission hydrogen and its derivatives, highlighting

Government introduces Guarantee of Origin Scheme to foster low-emission industries

The Australian Government has introduced to parliament legislation regarding a Guarantee of Origin (GO) scheme, designed to track and verify the emissions of products like
Image representing Australia's 2024 National Hydrogen Strategy document or concept.

Federal Government releases 2024 National Hydrogen Strategy

The updated vision aims to establish "a clean, innovative, safe and competitive hydrogen industry that benefits Australia’s communities and economy, enables our net zero transition,

CCA Review: Hydrogen among key technologies crucial to Australia’s path to net zero

The Climate Change Authority's review highlights hydrogen as a crucial emerging technology in Australia's effort to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Boosting global cooperation to drive the green hydrogen revolution

The Australia-EU Green Hydrogen Dialogue, a project funded under the European Union's Climate Dialogues (EUCD) initiative, brought together key stakeholders from Australia and the European

Have your say: National Energy Workforce Strategy

Your input will help ensure that the National Energy Workforce Strategy meets the needs of the sector and supports the transition to a net zero

Australian Hydrogen Council advocates for robust support of hydrogen industry in Future Made in Australia Bill

The Council urges the government to continue to prioritise policies that support the development of the emerging Australian hydrogen sector, and stresses the importance of

Hysata advocates for more support amidst local hydrogen supply chain opportunities

Hysata, the Illawarra-based company recognised for its highly efficient hydrogen electrolyser technology, has submitted a response to the Senate Standing Committee on Economics concerning the

Government accelerates Guarantee of Origin Scheme to boost green industries and emissions accountability

The Guarantee of Origin scheme will provide digital certificates verifying the emissions and origin of products, supporting green industries and enabling eligibility for tax credits.

IEEFA spotlights Australia’s capacity to lead the world in green steel production

A focus on green hydrogen could enable Australia to process its iron ore domestically, using green hydrogen to create a product that is increasingly in

Have your say: Developing Australia’s low carbon liquid fuel industry

The Australian Government is calling on stakeholders to provide their insights on developing a domestic low carbon liquid fuel (LCLF) industry.

Government seeks input on Transport and Infrastructure Roadmap

The Federal Government is calling for stakeholders to have their say on the plans for the transport sector to achieve net zero by 2050

Will government investment make green hydrogen a reality in Australia?

In this article originally published in the Conversation, Kylie Turner and Luke Brown of Climateworks Centre discuss the future of green hydrogen in Australia.

AHC welcomes Australia’s Budget billions to grow hydrogen sector

The Australian Hydrogen Council has welcomed the Federal Budget's big investment in Australia's hydrogen industry, applauding its support for the industry's growth.

Federal Budget 2024-25 includes massive investment in Australia’s renewable energy future

The Albanese Government's 2024-25 Budget will invest $22.7 billion over a decade to help Australia build a stronger, more diversified and more resilient economy powered

Report: Governments should focus on enabling, not just funding, net-zero projects

A new report by CEDA has identified the necessity for governments to adopt a consistent framework and clear objectives in supporting clean energy projects, claiming

Climate Change Authority seeks input on Australia’s emissions targets, pathways and progress

The Climate Change Authority is reaching out to stakeholders and the wider public for feedback on Australia's emissions reduction targets and the pathways to achieve

Future Made in Australia Act to pave the way for local renewable energy and manufacturing growth

The Act will see financing and tax incentives boosting Australia's sovereign capabilities, whilst positioning the nation as a global leader in clean energy and innovation

State Government launches NSW Innovation Blueprint Survey: have your say

The NSW Government has collaborated with industry leaders, universities, and experts to craft a blueprint aimed at propelling innovation our state, and are seeking your

Can miners ignite Australia’s green hydrogen boom?

A new IEEFA report finds miners consume about half of Australia’s ammonia through explosives; they could shift to green explosives for a minimal increase in

Final day of Hunter New Energy Symposium 2024 focuses on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability

Day 2 of the Symposium provided another important forum for diverse perspectives, collaborative endeavors, and innovative solutions. 

Hunter New Energy Symposium 2024 kicks off

Amid a massive day of discussion and insight into energy diversification, the emphasis on leveraging the Hunter's rich history of innovation and existing infrastructure signaled

Albanese’s Hunter speech hints at Australia’s response to the US Inflation Reduction Act

Pundits have speculated the Federal Government is planning a significant funding package in response to the Biden Administration's IRA, with areas of focus foreshadowed by

Have your say in shaping the future of sustainable transportation

The NVES, slated to take effect from January 1, 2025, will move Australia in line with international standards, positioning the nation to embrace a future

Committee for the Hunter release the Hunter Hydrogen Infrastructure Masterplan

The Hunter Hydrogen Infrastructure Masterplan is focused on accelerating and scaling delivery of the Hunter hydrogen hub. It builds upon the platform set by the

New standards to accelerate electric and hydrogen vehicle safety in Australia

These standards constitute a national approach aimed at enhancing safety for road users, first responders, technicians, and communities.

Deadline approaching for public consultation on draft GenCost 2023-24 Report

Stakeholder feedback on the draft report is crucial, considering its role in informing decision-makers in Australia's energy sector.

CEIG unveils blueprint for streamlining renewable energy approvals in NSW

Serving as a map for optimizing renewable energy initiatives in NSW, 'Delivering Major Clean Energy Projects in NSW' provides actionable steps towards a more streamlined

Grattan report proposes strategic steps to underpin Australia’s hydrogen adoption

A new report by the Grattan Institute sheds light on Australia's potential to leverage hydrogen as a key player in achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

New South Wales passes groundbreaking climate change legislation

Beyond its environmental impact, this legislation promises stability and certainty for businesses and industries by creating a conducive environment for investment and job creation, especially

South Australia achieves global first with landmark Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act

The bill, which received unanimous support from the Legislative Council, aims to establish a modern legislative framework tailored to the burgeoning hydrogen and renewable energy

NSW Government releases comprehensive Power-to-X Industry Feasibility Study

Produced in collaboration with the Powerfuels including Hydrogen Network (PFH2N), the study represents a significant leap forward in harnessing renewable energy and sustainable materials for

Hydrogen Energy Fundamentals to be added to NSW TAFE remit under new national skills agreement

The National Skills Agreement will fund the launch of new microskills courses by TAFE NSW, marking a significant step towards preparing the workforce in NSW

Queensland reforms Gas Supply Bill to remove barriers to hydrogen

The Queensland Parliament has passed the Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Bill 2023, paving the way for a substantial expansion of

NSW introduces landmark Climate Change Bill to set emissions reduction targets

The Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Bill 2023 commits NSW to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2030 and reaching net zero

Jobs and Skills Australia report deep dives on workforce needs for a net zero economy

The report analyses the workforce implications, opportunities and challenges Australia will face in our transformation to net Zero.

‘Port to REZ’ agreement paves the way for smooth energy transition

EnergyCo has finalised a MoU with Transport for NSW to coordinate State road upgrades between the Port of Newcastle and the Central-West Orana REZ, with

Rebates to purchase a new full battery or hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle in NSW now available

Rebates are available to reduce the upfront cost for eligible EVs in NSW, with the aim of accelerating the uptake of EVs across the state.

The road is long and time is short, but Australia’s pace towards net zero is quickening

This article, by Climateworks Centre CEO Anna Skarbek, was originally published in The Conversation, as part of a series Getting to Zero, examining Australia’s energy

National Hydrogen Codes of Best Practise co-design workshops now open for registration

To address industry identified challenges and pave the way for the sustainable growth of the hydrogen industry, the Australian government is now actively working on

Consultation now open on Australia’s Guarantee of Origin Scheme

The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water have opened consultation on the detailed design of Australia's Guarantee of Origin (GO) Scheme

South Australia tables landmark laws to enable hydrogen and renewable energy ‘gold rush’

The groundbreaking move positions South Australia as the first state in the nation to establish a comprehensive legislative framework for the hydrogen sector and renewable

AHC presents 53 recommendations for National Hydrogen Strategy Review

Responding to the Australian Government's review of the National Hydrogen Strategy, the Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) has put forth an extensive position paper along with

Australia and California sign new partnership on climate and clean energy

The Australian and Californian governments have agreed to work together to address climate change and support clean energy transition.

Australia joins International Hydrogen Trade Forum (IHTF)

The new International Hydrogen Trade Forum (IHTF) will bring countries together to work through issues and build productive conditions for a reliable international hydrogen trade

Australia and UK forge green hydrogen partnership with joint funding pact

The Australian and United Kingdom governments have joined forces to announce a groundbreaking commitment to funding renewable hydrogen projects.

Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub Community Information Sessions

Have your say on the Environmental Impact Statement at one of two community meetings next week

Hunter Councils partner with National Climate Network

The Hunter Joint Organisation (Hunter JO) in New South Wales has entered into a Regional Partnership with the Cities Power Partnership, Australia's largest local government

Have your say on Hydrogen Headstart at online consultation forum

The Australian government is investing $2b in the Hydrogen Headstart program and need your feedback.

Revised Hunter offshore wind zone officially declared

The Albanese Government has officially declared an offshore wind zone in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter.

Australian Government Seeks Stakeholder Feedback on Hydrogen Initiatives

The Australian Government is seeking valuable input from stakeholders on two key initiatives aimed at establishing Australia as a global leader in the hydrogen industry.

Capacity Investment Scheme to power NSW with clean, cheap, reliable energy

The Capacity Investment Scheme is a national framework to increase new dispatchable renewable capacity and ensure reliability and affordability in Australia’s rapidly changing energy market.

Australia and India sign on bilateral Green Hydrogen Taskforce terms of reference

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed India's Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Australia for talks actioning previous discussions on energy and trade.

The International Energy Agency releases Australia 2023 Energy Policy Review

Australia has raised its climate targets and now needs to accelerate its clean energy transition, says new IEA review.

Australia’s first National Hydrogen Infrastructure Assessment released

The Australian Government has released Australia’s first assessment of infrastructure requirements for hydrogen through to 2050.

Australia’s green hydrogen potential reinforced by 2022 State of Hydrogen Report

Today’s release of the annual State of Hydrogen report reinforces that Australia has the foundations to become a global leader in green hydrogen.

CSIRO Renewable Energy Storage Roadmap details hydrogen sector requirements for growth

Storage of renewable energy will be essential to Australia’s net zero transition but will require significant investment, according to the latest roadmap released by Australia's

$15 billion National Reconstruction Fund Bill passes Parliament

The $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund will be established in law after the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation Bill was passed.

What does a Labor win in the NSW election mean for renewable energy?

The Labor Party won the state election held on Saturday. What are their top five election campaign commitments to growing renewable energy?

Committee for the Hunter call on incoming NSW Government to back local renewable energy innovation

Detailed submission backed by evidence, expert advice and stakeholder voices suggests solutions to speed up energy diversification in the Hunter.

NSW Government commits $64 million for two new hydrogen hubs

Two major new hydrogen electrolyser projects have been announced today by state treasurer and energy minister Matt Kean

Peak body urges immediate action to secure Australia’s hydrogen future

The Australian Hydrogen Council has released a policy paper on what it believes the Australian Government must do to respond to the US Inflation Reduction

National Hydrogen Strategy Review high on agenda for Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council

The Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council (ECMC) met for the first time on Friday to discuss national energy, climate change and adaptation priorities.

NSW pledges $8 million to decarbonising communities pilot

Slashing home energy bills and emissions is the focus of a new $8 million program to pilot innovative ways to fully de-carbonise homes in up

Australia’s first national energy workforce survey is seeking your input

Projections suggest that over 60,000 clean energy jobs could be created in Australia by 2025 but as we transition to renewables, there is a need

Australia and the Netherlands sign agreement on renewable hydrogen supply chain

Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and the Netherlands Minister for Climate and Energy Rob Jetten yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding

Energy diversification the winner as Renewable Energy Zone declared in Hunter-Central Coast

The NSW Government has declared the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), marking the fourth REZ in NSW following the advancement of the Central-West Orana,

Federal Government introduces interventions to rein in gas prices

Pricing interventions aim to save jobs and ensure a stable and well-functioning wholesale gas market with adequate domestic supply at reasonable prices.

Two years in the development of a hydrogen economy in NSW

Major moments in the development of the hydrogen economy in NSW in the past two years lay the foundations for the sector future, and set

Renewables Project Report: Storage booms but generation projects impacted by past policy uncertainty

New Clean Energy Council data has revealed a new record for investment commitments in large-scale storage projects, with 14 new projects worth over $2 billion

AEMC recommends rules for hydrogen and renewable gases following review

Recommended rules that will help pave the way for Australia’s hydrogen and renewable gas industry and support our emissions reduction plans have been sent to

Hay readies for investment boom as South West REZ is officially declared

The South West REZ is expected to receive up to $2.8 billion in private investment by 2030.

National Gas Regulatory Framework extending to hydrogen blends and renewable gases

On 28 October 2022, Energy Ministers agreed to amendments to the National Gas Law and Regulations to bring hydrogen blends, biomethane and other renewable gases

Energy crisis is accelerating energy diversification, according to global report

The global energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is causing profound and long-lasting changes that have the potential to hasten the transition to

Input sought on the draft Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) declaration

The NSW Government seeks any feedback that could help inform the final REZ declaration.

Bowen reps Australia at pivotal Tokyo meeting with global hydrogen leaders

Australia, Japan, Canada and Germany are among the countries reaffirming a commitment to fast track hydrogen production

Better Futures Forum urges export focus to accelerate renewable energy investment

Australia could create 395,000 new jobs and generate $89 billion in new trade by 2040 through investment in renewable energy exports.

Peak automotive organisation calls for decarbonisation help

FCAI calls for Government to remove roadblocks and go the distance to help combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.

Quad reps meet in India to talk hydrogen regulation, safety and opportunity

The workshop was attended by government and industry stakeholders from the Australia, India, Japan, and the United States and focused on the role of harmonised

Tasmania publishes green hydrogen feasibility findings

The Tasmanian Government have released the findings from three feasibility studies funded under the $50 million Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Fund

Queensland beats the pack with nation’s first hydrogen workforce pipeline plan

The Queensland Government has delivered a nationwide first with the launch of a dedicated workforce development plan for the hydrogen industry.

World class speakers confirmed for upcoming Hunter Hydrogen Symposium

Leaders from across government, industry and academia have signed on to explore the most recent developments, challenges and opportunities across the Hydrogen sector

Australia and United States form partnership to accelerate net zero technology

Today, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm signed the Australia–United States Net Zero

Clean energy group call for urgent reform to boost investment security

The Clean Energy Investor Group (CEIG) has today urged Federal and State governments, and the Energy Security Board (ESB), to implement the urgently needed market

Hydrogen: Steps towards Australia’s powerhouse plan

What are some of the key moves required for Australia to realise its plans to become a major hydrogen exporter?

ESB seeks feedback on inclusion of gas and coal in future capacity mechanism design paper

Australia’s Energy Security Board (ESB), the body set up to redesign Australia’s energy market, has surprised pundits by proposing payments to fossil fuel providers

Federal Government to enshrine new emission target into legislation

New PM officially updates Australia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement

Input sought on hydrogen ready updates to NSW Gas Supply Act

The NSW Office of Energy and Climate Change is seeking feedback on changes to gas regulations to support the NSW Hydrogen Strategy

Fast-Tracking Australia as a Clean Hydrogen Leader

Funding announced as part of the 2022-23 Budget towards Clean Hydrogen initiatives

Renewable hydrogen target to be investigated for Western Australia

The WA State Government is supporting the growth of a renewable hydrogen industry by investigating the implementation of a Renewable Hydrogen Target in the state.

AEMO seeks input on extending regulatory frameworks to include hydrogen and renewable gases

A virtual information session to present the draft recommendations for the hydrogen and renewable gases review will be held, in conjunction with the Department of

IRENA reports make recommendations for green hydrogen policy making and certification

Two reports 'Green hydrogen for industry: A guide to policy making', and 'Green Hydrogen Certification Brief' outline steps for a speedy transition from fossil fuels

Hydrogen hub initiative – project EOI extended to 11 February 2022

The EOIs for green hydrogen projects have been extended by two weeks and will now close on 11 February 2022 at 5.00pm AEDT.

Invitation to AEMC hydrogen review stakeholder workshops

The AEMC is inviting stakeholders to three workshops on different topics stemming from the Review into extending the regulatory frameworks to hydrogen and renewable gases

NSW passes Energy Legislation Amendment Bill, opening door to hydrogen industry

The NSW green hydrogen industry is set to boom with the legislation underpinning the NSW Hydrogen Strategy passing Parliament on Friday

Hydrogen Roadmap provides long-term plan for H2 industry in the Hunter

The Hunter’s hydrogen future is a step closer with the launch of the Hunter Hydrogen Roadmap, which outlines an ambitious vision for the region to

AEMC requests public input into accommodating hydrogen and renewable gases

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has commenced a new work program to support the ongoing decarbonisation of the energy sector

How to tap into NSW’s record levels of clean energy funding

There are several current funding programs offering support for clean energy innovations in NSW

Hunter Hydrogen Technology Cluster (NewH2) Welcomes NSW Hydrogen Strategy

**NEWH2 MEDIA RELEASE – 13 OCTOBER 2021** The region’s hydrogen leadership has today welcomed the NSW Government’s release of the state-wide, master-planned approach to rapid

NSW set to halve emissions by 2030

NSW is set to attract more than $37 billion in investment while slashing emissions by 50% below 2005 levels by 2030, under updated projections and

Take part in Clean Energy Sector Survey to help identify barriers to diversity

Help the Clean Energy Council identify where systematic barriers and inequities may exist within policies and processes, and pinpoint areas that need improvement

NewH2 Welcomes NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub initiative

The Hub will coordinate work in three focus areas of Electrification & Energy Systems, Land & Primary Industries, and Power Fuels including Hydrogen

AEMO maps out ‘hydrogen superpower’ scenario to support projected hydrogen export economy

Five future energy scenarios, ranging from ‘slow change’ to ‘hydrogen superpower’ will inform AEMO’s 2022 Integrated System Plan (ISP)

HYDROGEN GUARANTEE OF ORIGIN SCHEME: HAVE YOUR SAY

Feedback sought on Hydrogen Guarantee of Origin scheme

ENERGY MINISTER MATT KEAN MP VISITS HUNTER TO ANNOUNCE SITE OF NSW’S SECOND HYDROGEN HUB

The Hunter is set to become the home of one of the State's first green hydrogen hubs with the NSW Government committing at least $70

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