The growth of renewable energy is only one part of the Hunter Region's transition from a coal-based to a clean energy economy, the Hunter Business Chamber argues.
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In its submission to the NSW Parliament's inquiry into the sustainability of energy supply and resources, the chamber says growth in renewable energy must be matched with the growth of new industries to ensure the economic security of communities that currently rely on fossil fuel resources and power generation.
"Ideally, the region will become a leader in manufacturing for the renewable sector as well as producing power. This would draw in skills more broadly across the technology sector, in addition to research," chamber chief executive Bob Hawes said.
"We already have businesses across the region that are adopting new technologies when it comes to power generation and consumption."
The Newcastle Herald reported on Monday that billions of dollars worth of large-scale renewable energy are in the pipeline across the Hunter.
Among the large-scale renewable energy projects due to come on-line in the next decade are a 250 megawatt wind farm at Bowman's Creek, a 250 megawatt pumped hydro scheme at Bells Mountain, a 250 megawatt gas-fired power station at Tomago and a 62 megawatt solar farm at Vales Point power station.
Hunter hotel owner Dr Jerry Schwartz announced on Wednesday that his five megawatt solar farm at Lovedale would commence operation in November.
City of Newcastle also announced this week that it would use 100 per cent renewable energy from next January as part of a 10-year power purchase agreement with energy retailer Flow Power.
Mr Hawes said the chamber supported a reasonable and pragmatic approach to regional economic diversification and the transition of energy supply towards renewable sources.
"Future-proofing local economies that rely on resources and coal-powered power generation will need to be a significant aspect of any government plan to guide industry transition," he said.
Energy security for business and industry and energy pricing were also issues that need to be acknowledged in the transition conversation.
"Australian businesses pay some of the highest energy prices in world and half of respondents to the NSW Business Chamber's quarterly Business Conditions Surveys highlight energy prices as their top cost-control priority," Mr Hawes said.
Energy Security Board chair Dr Kerry Schott will discuss her role in shaping energy policy at Friday's Hunter Business Infrastructure luncheon.
