AUSTRALIA’S coal capital, Newcastle, is taking another green step with the Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct (CEP).
The port has signed a formal advisory agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to enable the port to draw upon MHI’s knowledge and technical expertise in the production, storage and distribution of hydrogen and ammonia.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said the arrangement would provide valuable insight to inform the CEP’s Front End Engineering Design (FEED) studies, which are currently underway.
“MHI is at the forefront of the research and development of next-generation clean energy production technologies, so being able to tap into the wealth of expertise MHI possesses is going to be incredibly valuable in informing the future site layout, enablement and design of the Clean Energy Precinct.
“MHI’s Takasago Hydrogen Park is the first in the world that can validate the full value chain of hydrogen from production to power and we will be able to utilise the knowledge MHI has in relation to chemical plant projects, including the production and handling of hydrogen, ammonia synthesis and storage, to best position the CEP, the port and the Hunter Region for success as a future global hydrogen hub.”
A media release on 10 March announcing the arrangement claimed the Port of Newcastle’s CEP was the most advanced port in Australia toward clean energy production. It is the only port currently at FEED and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) studies stage, which is being undertaken by Lumea (electrical), CoNEXA (water) and GHD (general infrastructure).
The studies cover electrical infrastructure, water services, general infrastructure, storage, berth infrastructure, and pipelines to berth.
Current CEP studies are funded by a $100 million grant for hydrogen readiness from the Commonwealth Government and administered by the NSW Government.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the Clean Energy Precinct is a major economic catalyst for the region and the advisory agreement will ensure that Newcastle continues to lead in the production, storage, and export of clean energy products and technology.
“Newcastle has powered Australia for generations and this project makes sure we will continue to do so for generations to come, as we lead the transition to net zero,” Ms Claydon said.
According to the release the dedicated 220-hectare Clean Energy Precinct will facilitate clean energy production, storage, distribution and export that once fully developed, will contribute $4.2 billion to the economy and generate thousands of new jobs in the Hunter Region by 2040.
