Plans for a hydrogen hub in the Hunter are coming together as the NSW and Federal Governments set their sights on net-zero emissions by 2050.
On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency has committed $1.5M in funding to support a study into the development of a 40MW hydrogen hub at the Port of Newcastle.
Led by Port of Newcastle and Macquarie Green Investment Group, the $3M study is supported by partners Idemitsu, Keolis Downer, Lake Macquarie, Snowy Hydro, Jemena and project collaborators Macquarie Agriculture and the University of Newcastle.
The study will determine a broad range of potential uses for green hydrogen, bunkering, energy production, and industrial applications such as renewable ammonia at scale for domestic fertiliser use.
With Port of Newcastle’s existing industries, infrastructure, and access to a deepwater port, the study will ultimately determine the optimal site for the hub as a foundation for renewable hydrogen to flow within the region.
Along with local uses, the study will also investigate the potential to upscale hydrogen production for export, leveraging the port’s existing international supply chains.
Clean hydrogen is a key part of the Australian Government’s Low Emissions Technology Statement to produce hydrogen for less than $2 per kilogram.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who made a quick trip to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie earlier this week, said Newcastle and the Hunter were integral to Australia’s clean energy solutions.
“Our plans to move to a lower-emissions future very much have the Hunter at the centre of our thinking,” he said.
“Everything we do, every plan we have, every investment we’re making, is making sure it works here in the Hunter, because we know if it works here it’ll work to create jobs and prosperity all across the country.
“The region has been key to Australia’s energy security, and with continuing strong demand for baseload power fuels and the potential as a clean energy hub, Newcastle and the Hunter will be an important part of Australia’s transition under our plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
“Newcastle is the biggest port on the east coast, with 50 per cent of its capacity available for future industry development, making it a great asset for the region to become one of the seven clean hydrogen industrial hubs the government is delivering.
“We’re committed to developing a world-leading hydrogen industry while providing investment and growth opportunities for our communities like Newcastle and the Hunter.”
Meanwhile, the Committee for the Hunter has released the Hunter Hydrogen Roadmap, developed by the Hunter Hydrogen Taskforce.
The roadmap was developed with industry, research and government, including H2 NOW, Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources, Ironbark, CSIRO, HunterNet, Dantia, Grattan Institute and Ampcontrol.
Translating state and national ambitions into a targeted set of actions in the Hunter, the roadmap outlines the ways renewable hydrogen should be generated, stored and used.
The roadmap sets out long-term strategic enablers that will accelerate hydrogen development as well as help to establish the hydrogen industry and investments across sectors over short and long terms.
CEO for Committee for the Hunter Alice Thompson said the Hunter region was Australia’s strategically positioned energy capital.
“Hydrogen is a long-term commitment for our region, but we need action now to maintain and grow our competitive advantage or risk being left behind,” Thompson said.
“We know that the development of a Hunter hydrogen industry will need more than projects and technology.
“It requires brokering between suppliers and users, workforce development, regulatory reform, new standards, safety training, complementary policy and programs, community support, investment concierge and promotion.”
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said the roadmap provided a clear direction to kickstart the industry in the Hunter.
“The roadmap sets a high level of ambition and our region’s course to becoming a hub of hydrogen and innovation, which is very exciting,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“It makes me very proud that our university has been able to play a leading role in developing the roadmap through the taskforce.
“We are absolutely committed to working with Committee for the Hunter and our partners across the region to realise this incredible opportunity for the Hunter and become leaders in Australia’s hydrogen future.”
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said the Hunter Hydrogen Roadmap complemented the work under way with the Port of Newcastle Hydrogen Hub.
“The Hunter Hydrogen Roadmap shows strong strategic alignment with the Port’s commitment to renewable energy production, storage and plans to diversify our export trade for the future,” Carmody said.
“This roadmap and the Port of Newcastle Hydrogen Hub will help secure and grow jobs and businesses for the Hunter region for generations to come.”
The Committee for the Hunter will lead the roadmap delivery, working with governments within the greater Hunter region.
Hayley McMahon
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