Minister for Climate Change and Energy unveils final master plan design for nation’s most advanced Clean Energy Precinct
- intouch Magazine
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, visited the Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct (CEP) today to mark a major milestone in the project’s progress. He was joined by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Member for Newcastle, the Hon. Sharon Claydon MP, and Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody.
Minister Bowen praised the region’s industrial legacy and its future potential, 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.
"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.”
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said the unveiling of the final design marks the most significant milestone for the CEP since the Commonwealth’s $100 million investment.
“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. This is the design that Port of Newcastle is offering global clean energy production companies and directs the planning approvals the Port will be seeking.”
Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) studies are currently underway and are expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Mr Carmody noted that these studies, along with consultation with community and Traditional Owners, have helped inform the design and concept planning approvals. These approvals will pave the way for faster construction of the various clean energy production facilities, positioning the CEP as the country’s most advanced and investment-ready clean energy project.
“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,” Mr Carmody said.
“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.
"We have received strong international interest in occupying these sites, particularly from partners in Germany, Japan and South Korea. This level of global engagement demonstrates the confidence that leading economies have in Port of Newcastle’s vision and Australia’s potential as a clean energy powerhouse.
Alongside Port of Newcastle’s other strategic diversification projects, the CEP will ensure Port of Newcastle remains a resilient, future-focused gateway for Australia’s trade and energy needs.”
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, also welcomed the progress, stating, “Australia’s largest coal port is diversifying its offering and preparing to accommodate new and growing industries on the shores of the Hunter River.
"Newcastle has always been one of the most productive industrial centres in Australia, and we’re ensuring its legacy continues with the Clean Energy Precinct.
"It’s crucial that we develop the infrastructure now to be prepared for Australia’s energy future, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here on Kooragang Island.”
Deputy Speaker and Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, highlighted the symbolic and strategic importance of the project, saying, “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.
"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.
"This masterplan lays the groundwork for thousands of jobs in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy exports.
"From coal to clean energy, this is what a transition looks like. Thoughtful, strategic, and grounded in the strengths of our region and our people.”
