Clean Energy
The region is host to the NSW Government’s Hunter and Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone with a pipeline of 17 large-scale clean energy projects across solar, wind and battery.
The horizon is $100 billion in potential investment in solar energy, onshore and offshore wind energy, large-scale batteries and pumped-hydro projects.
Key to realising the NSW Government’s vision for the Hunter and Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, is Port of Newcastle Clean Energy Precinct, which positions Newcastle as a leading hub for all traditional and future clean energy products and technologies, including renewables, hydrogen and green ammonia.
Supporting the region’s aspirations in the clean energy sector is the work of the University of Newcastle – a national leader in research and innovation in energy and resources. This includes the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) which fosters the evolution of industry from fossil fuels to clean energy.
Each year, more than 10,000 undergraduate, postgraduate and research students enrol in Engineering, Science and Environment at the university.
The Hunter’s workforce is our greatest asset in the transition to renewable energy. The region has the largest STEM qualified workforce in the state. One in four adults have a bachelor degree qualification or higher; and our supply of professionals, technicians, trades workers and labourers is at least 3x higher than other major centres with export ports.
Unique clean energy opportunities
Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone
More than $100 billion of potential investment in renewable generation and storage projects has been registered for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
Commercial interest has been registered in more than 80 projects across:
- solar energy
- onshore and offshore wind energy
- large-scale batteries and
- pumped hydro.
Together, these projects have the potential to deliver more than 100,000 gigawatt hours of renewable energy a year – equivalent to the annual output of up to 10 coal-fired power stations.
As a long-standing energy powerhouse, the region is poised to capitalise on existing power stations, rehabilitated mining land, electricity network infrastructure, port and transport infrastructure, and a skilled workforce in the nation’s move to renewables.
For more information please visit energyco.nsw.gov.au/hcc-rez or contact us below.
