Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, alongside Deputy Speaker Sharon Claydon and Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody, has unveiled the final design for the Port of Newcastle's Clean Energy Precinct (CEP). This critical development positions the 220-hectare site as a future hub for the production, storage, distribution, and export of clean energy carriers, including green hydrogen and green ammonia, signaling a major strategic shift for one of the world's largest coal export ports.

The CEP is a cornerstone of the Port of Newcastle's ambitious 2030 diversification strategy, aiming to transform the Hunter Region into a global leader in clean energy products and technologies. This initiative underscores a national commitment to leveraging Australia's vast renewable resources for a sustainable economic future, moving beyond its traditional role as a fossil fuel exporter.

Front-end engineering design (FEED) and environmental impact statements (EIS) for the precinct are currently underway, with completion anticipated by the end of 2025. These studies, informed by extensive community and Traditional Owner consultations, are crucial for securing the necessary planning approvals that will expedite the construction of various clean energy production facilities within the precinct.

Minister Bowen emphasized the strategic importance of the location, stating, "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." He highlighted the Albanese Labor Government's support for industrial regions to capitalize on the economic and job opportunities presented by reliable renewable energy.

Deputy Speaker Claydon echoed this sentiment, noting, "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 underscored the symbolic transformation of land once intended for a coal terminal now spearheading the global clean energy transition, projecting thousands of jobs in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.

Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody affirmed the project's flexibility and global appeal. "The final design for the Clean Energy Precinct is an important milestone in the project and for the future of clean energy in the Hunter region," Carmody stated. "As the design shows, we can accommodate different forms of clean energy, including ammonia and hydrogen." He revealed strong international interest from partners in Germany, Japan, and South Korea, demonstrating global confidence in the port's vision and Australia's potential as a clean energy powerhouse. Carmody stressed the port's commitment to ensuring continued energy exports from the Hunter region as coal declines.

Further solidifying its international partnerships, the Port of Newcastle signed a formal advisory agreement with Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in early 2025. This collaboration enables the port to leverage MHI’s extensive knowledge in hydrogen and ammonia production, storage, and distribution, providing invaluable insights to support the ongoing FEED studies and accelerate the precinct's development.