The Hunter’s energy transition is no longer theoretical. Transmission corridors are progressing, renewable infrastructure is moving toward delivery and billions of dollars of investment are flowing into the region.
Construction has commenced on the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone and major network upgrades are underway to unlock new renewable generation and storage. Across the region, solar farms, wind projects, battery storage systems and pumped hydro projects are progressing, while former mine and industrial sites are being repurposed for new energy generation and storage. The Port of Newcastle’s proposed Clean Energy Precinct alone could support 5,800 jobs and inject $4.2 billion into the regional economy.
This is no longer a future pipeline. The transformation is happening now and the Hunter’s industrial legacy is its greatest advantage.
Now our focus must be on ensuring the Hunter captures the long-term economic value of that transformation, rather than simply hosting it while the benefits flow elsewhere. The Hunter cannot afford to become a construction site for somebody else’s economy.
A Renewable Energy Zone approval does not automatically create work for a local fabricator, engineering firm or electrical contractor.
EnergyCo’s Hunter-first procurement approach is an important step and reflects a genuine commitment to regional participation. But under current settings, local content remains largely a best-endeavours expectation rather than an enforceable obligation. Too often, major contractors arrive with supply chains already established before local industry has had a meaningful opportunity to compete.
That challenge has shaped recent work by New.E – Hunter New Energy, HunterNet and EnergyCo.
Advocacy to the NSW and Australian Governments has focused on a simple principle: if public investment is driving the transformation, local industry should have a genuine opportunity to participate in it. That means stronger local procurement settings, clearer compliance expectations and practical pathways connecting regional suppliers into major projects earlier.
Because once contracts are awarded, the opportunity for local participation narrows quickly.
In April, the inaugural Supply Chain Connect in Muswellbrook brought together major project proponents and Hunter suppliers. The goal was simple: create earlier engagement between buyers and local industry so regional businesses have a better chance to participate.
This is the kind of collaboration the Hunter needs more of.
For generations, the Hunter has built complex infrastructure, powered industry and delivered major projects at scale. Skills developed across manufacturing, logistics, advanced fabrication, engineering and high-voltage electrical work are directly transferable to the energy transformation underway.
The region also has the infrastructure, industrial land and strategic assets needed to support the next phase of growth.
Transmission infrastructure is economic infrastructure. Procurement policy is industrial policy. Supply chains are regional development policy.
If the Hunter gets these settings right, the region has an opportunity to become far more than a host for renewable projects. It can become a globally recognised industrial cluster with deep capability across manufacturing, logistics, engineering and energy.
The Hunter has powered Australia for generations. The opportunity now is to ensure the next energy era also builds long-term industrial capability, skilled jobs and economic resilience here at home.
Projects are moving from approvals into delivery. The investment is already flowing. The real measure of success will be how much long-term economic and industrial value stays in the Hunter.
That conversation sits at the centre of this year’s Hunter New Energy Industry Showcase on the Wednesday 27 May, included as part of the Hunter New Energy Symposium on Thursday 28 May. Visit https://hunternewenergy.com.au/hnes2026/ for more information.
Boris Novak is Co-Lead of New.E Hunter New Energy, an Industry Advisor at HunterNet and a Hunter Manufacturing Awards judge.
