The final layout for the Clean Energy Precinct (CEP) at the Port of Newcastle has been released, confirming how Australia’s most developed clean energy project will take shape and progress through planning approvals. The master plan was launched today by Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, joined by Deputy Speaker Sharon Claydon and Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody.
Located on Kooragang Island, the CEP is designed to support various clean energy products including ammonia and hydrogen, with infrastructure capable of adapting to different technologies. This flexibility was described as central to the port’s approach.
“We are building for the future of our region, city, and port. As the design shows, we can accommodate different forms of clean energy, including ammonia and hydrogen. Port of Newcastle has always said we are agnostic when it comes to the type of clean energy produced at the Port’s Clean Energy Precinct,” said Mr Carmody.
Work on detailed planning and environmental studies is ongoing, with both the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) due to be completed by the end of 2025. The final design is informed by Traditional Owner and community consultation and is intended to streamline the development approvals process for future construction on the site.
The CEP forms part of a broader effort to prepare the Hunter region for the decline of coal exports. Mr Carmody noted that the Commonwealth Government’s $100 million investment has helped bring the project to its most advanced stage so far.
“Our job is to ensure that, when coal finally declines, we still have energy from the Hunter and Newcastle to export to the world. This design proves this goal can be achieved,” he said.
The site has already attracted strong interest from overseas companies, particularly in Germany, Japan, and South Korea. Planning approval is expected to make the precinct more appealing to those looking to invest in clean energy production.
Minister Bowen said: “The Hunter has been an industrial and economic powerhouse for decades, making the Port of Newcastle an ideal location for a Clean Energy Precinct that can support decarbonisation of heavy industry and connect Australia’s renewable resources to the world.
“The Albanese Labor Government is supporting industrial regions like the Hunter to take advantage of the economic and job opportunities that come with reliable renewable energy.”
The transformation of the site reflects a long-term shift in energy and trade for Newcastle, historically one of Australia’s busiest coal ports. Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the plan lays a foundation for clean energy jobs and a broader industrial renewal.
“This is a defining moment for Newcastle – a city that has helped power the nation for generations is preparing to power the future with clean energy,” she said.
“It’s hard to imagine a more powerful symbol of our region’s transformation – land once earmarked for a coal terminal will now be at the forefront of the global clean energy transition.”
The project is one of several diversification efforts underway at the port, aimed at keeping Newcastle connected to future trade and energy opportunities. The announcement of $432 million in funding for Orica’s Hunter Hydrogen Hub through the Hydrogen Headstart program was also made on site at Kooragang today.
