The Port of Newcastle (PON) has signed an Advisory Agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd (MHI) to support the development of PON’s Clean Energy Precinct (CEP). The agreement will provide the Port with MHI’s expertise in hydrogen and ammonia production, storage, and distribution, helping shape the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) studies currently underway.
“MHI is at the forefront of the research and development of next-generation clean energy production technologies, so being able to tap into the wealth of expertise MHI possesses is going to be incredibly valuable in informing the future site layout, enablement and design of the Clean Energy Precinct,” Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said.
MHI operates the Takasago Hydrogen Park in Japan, a facility designed to validate the full hydrogen value chain. The Port of Newcastle will be able to utilise MHI’s experience in handling chemical plant projects, including ammonia synthesis and storage, to guide the development of the CEP.
Takehiko Kikuchi, Senior Fellow and Chief Regional Officer for Asia Pacific & India at MHI, said: “We appreciate the invitation from the Port of Newcastle to be an advisor for the Port’s common user facility development in the Clean Energy Precinct. It’s an honour for us to be able to contribute to the project leveraging our technical expertise and experience in the hydrogen and ammonia value chain. We are looking forward to supporting the Port of Newcastle team.”
The CEP is the only port project in Australia currently at the FEED and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) studies stage. These studies, undertaken by Lumea (electrical infrastructure), CoNEXA (water services), and GHD (general infrastructure), are assessing key aspects such as storage, berth infrastructure, and pipeline connections. The Commonwealth Government has provided $100 million for hydrogen readiness, with funding administered by the NSW Government.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon noted the economic potential of the project, stating: “The Clean Energy Precinct is a major economic catalyst for our region and this Advisory Agreement will ensure that Newcastle continues to lead in the production, storage, and export of clean energy products and technology.”
The CEP spans 220 hectares on Kooragang Island and is expected to contribute $4.2 billion to the economy while generating thousands of new jobs in the Hunter Region by 2040. With shared infrastructure for large-scale energy storage, transport, and export, it aims to support Australia’s clean energy transition. Its location near major energy users and key Renewable Energy Zones will help integrate renewable energy projects and position Newcastle as a leading hydrogen hub.
