Community invited to shape Environmental Plan for Clean Energy Precinct
Port of Newcastle is inviting community feedback on its Clean Energy Precinct Environmental Impact Statement, providing an opportunity to contribute to the project’s development.
The Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct (CEP) aims to establish a large-scale clean energy facility to support decarbonisation efforts in the Hunter Region. The 220-hectare CEP will facilitate clean energy production, storage, distribution, and export, supporting industries such as hydrogen and ammonia. The project is expected to play a key role in regional employment and economic growth.
The CEP is the only Australian port project currently undertaking FEED and EIS studies, with work being carried out by Lumea (electrical), CoNEXA (water), and GHD (general infrastructure). These studies cover key infrastructure elements, including electrical networks, water supply, storage, berth facilities, and pipelines. The project is supported by a $100 million Commonwealth Government grant administered by the NSW Government.
Port of Newcastle is inviting community members to have their say on the development of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for its CEP. Feedback can be provided via phone, email, or through Community Liaison Group representatives.
Port of Newcastle has engaged professional services firm GHD to oversee statutory approvals and engineering studies, including the EIS.
PoN CEO Craig Carmody stressed the importance of community input in the process.
“Port of Newcastle is the most advanced port in Australia toward clean energy production, with Front End Engineering Design [FEED] and EIS studies well underway.
“We are committed to genuine consultation with the local community and other stakeholders about this project, and we’ve already undertaken extensive engagement with local community groups, including Traditional Owners, port users, and residents.
“Continuing the conversation with our community is an important part of this stage of the Precinct’s development. I encourage everyone to be part of this project that’s creating once-in-a-generation change for our city and the greater Hunter Region,” Mr Carmody said.
GHD Australia Chief Executive Officer Dean McIntyre emphasised the wider impact of the project.
“Port of Newcastle has a pivotal role to play in the broader energy future of not only the Hunter region but also for the state of New South Wales and Australia as a whole.
“Working closely with the Port of Newcastle team, we’re looking forward to engaging with the community over the coming months,” Mr McIntyre said.
