Hunter can lead a renewable revolution

They heard about projects relating to the renewable energy industrial precinct concept, which aims to re-energise Australian industry and reignite manufacturing.

Think of this concept as a manufacturing hub where energy-intensive manufacturers use renewable energy at a low, fixed cost.

A precinct would support a cluster of manufacturers that are powered by 100 per cent renewable energy and would either be located within a renewable energy zone or connected to renewable energy through high voltage transmission lines.

Beyond Zero Emissions research shows that the best way to support competitive manufacturing in Australia is to electrify everything - from heavy industry to food and pharmaceuticals.

By switching from gas to electrical heating we can halve the energy required to produce many goods.

As a major energy and industrial centre, the Hunter is an ideal site for a precinct.

We have the infrastructure and workforce and the coal industry has provided us with transmission lines, a railway, a deep-water port and existing heavy industry.

We have the research power of the University of Newcastle and CSIRO to bring new technology to market, and existing trade relationships with Japan and Korea, both of which are pivoting toward low-carbon hydrogen based economies.

Logic would therefore lead to a renewable energy industrial precinct located in the Hunter; an ecosystem of innovation, producing zero carbon hydrogen, steel, aluminium and other products using advanced manufacturing.

A Hunter precinct would build on our strengths as an industrial base and the world-class infrastructure we've inherited from the coal industry.

Coal established the Hunter as a global energy centre.

Now as global markets shift, we are well set up to future-proof the Hunter as a clean tech industrial and export hub.

Two NSW projects were featured at BZE's investor briefing.

The Walcha renewable energy project is a 'precinct in progress': a 4000 megawatt project that can supply 15 per cent of NSW's power needs.

It will combine wind and solar energy with hydro power and battery storage, delivered to the Hunter by connecting to Liddell's transmission lines.

Best of all, it uses Australian materials and seeks local turbine manufacturing and metals for its transmission towers.

Energy Renaissance is an Australian battery manufacturer making lithium-ion batteries that can cope with heat.

It will employ more than 1000 people within five years and it is looking for a site in regional NSW.

The Hunter is attractive for its infrastructure and knowledge base.

If the Energy Renaissance factory was built here, it would create a new way to export renewable energy through the Port of Newcastle where thousands of containers currently leave the port empty.

Batteries produced with Australian minerals that are mined, manufactured and shipped with zero emissions have low emissions "embodied" in the battery.

And global markets are booming for these products.

Companies such as Apple and BHP are working to carbon neutrality, which means reducing emissions generated in the supply chain.

A Hunter renewable energy industrial precinct will build on the energy tradition of the past and propel us to become a manufacturing and energy hub in the zero-carbon future.

Industrial giants like Germany, Korea and Japan envy our renewable energy resources.

The future is here and plentiful. Beyond Zero Emissions has been flooded with projects from developers who are building a zero emissions future. Investors want to fund it.

And communities want the good quality, secure jobs that this industry brings. All that is needed are clear signals and support from governments and regulating bodies.

The Hunter community stands to benefit the most.

A renewable energy industrial precinct that produces green hydrogen and green metals, and hosts zero-carbon factories, will ensure jobs and wealth for our region well into the future.

We'll lead the world in cutting emissions from the global supply chain and build on our proud tradition as an international energy hub.

While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here

IN THE NEWS: