The Morrison Government is backing the future clean hydrogen industry in the Hunter in New South Wales, which will utilise the region’s strong resources and export capabilities to produce clean hydrogen for use both here at home and across the world, and create highly skilled jobs.
Due to the region’s significant clean hydrogen potential, the Government is backing two hub projects in the Hunter with $82 million in support for projects valued at over $363 million.
Through the Morrison Government’s Clean Hydrogen Industrial Hubs program, the Government is supporting the following hubs:
- Up to $41 million for the Port of Newcastle’s Hydrogen Hub, with a total project value of $163 million.
- Up to $41 million for Origin Energy Future Fuels Pty Ltd’s Hunter Valley H2 Hub Implementation Project, with a total project value of over $200 million.
This funding is complemented by the $100 million committed in the 2022-23 Budget to support pre-Final Investment Decision activities and early works to make the Port of Newcastle’s infrastructure ‘hydrogen ready’.
The Hunter hydrogen projects are estimated to create over 2,300 jobs when operational, with even more local construction jobs possible through the port upgrades.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Coalition’s economic plan was delivering for the Hunter, with this investment unlocking jobs for generations to come.
“Australia will be a world-leader in hydrogen development and exports, and the Hunter region is critical to realising our nation’s potential,” the Prime Minister said.
“The Hunter has been an essential part of Australia’s energy security for decades, and our investment today locks in the Hunter’s clean energy future.
“The Coalition’s economic plan is securing new opportunities for the local, highly skilled workforce in the Hunter, creating a strong economy and stronger future.
“Ensuring affordable and reliable energy, while meeting our emissions reductions targets, is key to the Coalition’s national economic plan.”
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Hunter region provides great potential for both hydrogen production and export opportunities, with Newcastle being the biggest port on the east coast.
“Both of these hub projects are backed by significant private sector funding and have strong industry partners here and overseas. These multi-million-dollar commitments show the faith both industry and government have in the Hunter,” Minister Taylor said.
“With existing supply chains to key consuming countries, such as Japan, and high future local hydrogen demand for uses such as electricity generation, gas blending and transport, the Hunter is a highly competitive location for a clean hydrogen hub.”
Clean hydrogen exports could directly support 16,000 jobs by 2050, plus an additional 13,000 jobs in renewable energy infrastructure construction. Clean hydrogen production for both export and domestic use could generate more than $50 billion in additional GDP by 2050.