Port of Newcastle Unveils $100M Clean Energy Precinct to Lead Green Hydrogen Shift

The Port of Newcastle has just pulled back the curtain on its final master plan for the Clean Energy Precinct on Kooragang Island, backed by a hefty $100 million investment from the federal government. Spanning 220 hectares of what used to be coal shipping land, this ambitious project plans to reinvent the area as Australia’s go-to hub for green hydrogen and clean ammonia production, along with storage and export facilities.

Backed by Industry Heavyweights and Powered by Renewables

With engineering powerhouses Lumea, coNEXA, and GHD leading the charge on early design and environmental assessments, the plan is to tap into 1.6 GW of renewable energy and make use of 22 million litres of recycled water—all without putting extra pressure on local utilities. That means zero-emission fuel made cleanly, while keeping the local grid and water systems in the clear.

Local Support for a Big Energy Pivot

Federal Minister Chris Bowen and local MP Sharon Claydon are throwing their support behind the project, calling it crucial for helping the Hunter region shift away from its coal-reliant past and take a leading role in the clean energy economy. The backing signals strong confidence from government in this bold move toward industrial decarbonization.

Looking Ahead: Exports, Inclusion, and Net-Zero Goals

The focus isn’t just on powering Australia’s domestic clean transition—there’s a clear ambition to tap into global export markets for green hydrogen and ammonia. The project also aligns closely with Australia’s broader net-zero emissions roadmap. Importantly, the plan includes meaningful engagement with Traditional Owners and the local community, making sure the shift to zero-emission technology is inclusive and sustainable.

The front-end engineering and environmental studies are on track to wrap up by the end of 2025. If all goes as planned, full-scale construction will break ground not long after, setting the stage for a brand-new chapter in Australia’s hydrogen infrastructure and clean energy journey.