THE HON PAT CONROY MP

MEMBER FOR SHORTLAND

MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY

MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE PACIFIC

SHARON CLAYDON MP

MEMBER FOR NEWCASTLE

DEPUTY SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MERYL SWANSON MP

MEMBER FOR PATERSON

DAN REPACHOLI MP

MEMBER FOR HUNTER

MEDIA RELEASE

INVESTING IN THE HUNTER’S HYDROGEN OPPORTUNITIES

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to position Newcastle and the Hunter as a green hydrogen hub. That’s why we’re investing $100 million to ensure hydrogen readiness at the Port of Newcastle.

This funding will deliver a feasibility study, detailed designs and vital early works to get the Port and our region ready for the production and distribution of green hydrogen.

The Port of Newcastle is the largest coal export hub in the world. This investment will enable the Port to become a key player in the emerging global green hydrogen economy.

With our skilled workforce, abundant resources, industrial expertise, rail and port infrastructure, our region is poised to take full advantage of new energy industries.

This investment is in addition to commitments the Labor Government is already delivering on to support renewable jobs, including:

• $16 million allocated to establish a New Energy Skills Hub at the University of Newcastle;
• $100 million to support 10,000 New Energy Apprenticeships;
• $10 million in a New Energy Skills Program for Australia to be able to seize the jobs opportunity to boost local skills and training in new industries; and
• Our Powering Australia plan which will see 5 out of 6 new energy jobs in regions such as the Hunter
• The Albanese Labor Government is committed to supporting carbon intensive regions like ours to take advantage of the economic and job opportunities of renewable energy.

Quotes attributable to Minister Conroy:

“The Albanese Labor Government knows that Australia and the Hunter region can be a clean energy and hydrogen superpower.

“Hydrogen produced from renewable energy is the way of the future and the Albanese Labor Government is ensuring that Australia takes full opportunity in this form of energy.

“I am proud to be part of a government delivering for the Hunter region and providing the opportunities to create new secure jobs and grow our economy”.

Quotes attributable to Sharon Claydon MP:

“Newcastle has powered Australia for generations and the Albanese Labor Government is ensuring it will continue to do so for generations to come.”

“Green Hydrogen is an important part of the diversification of the Port of Newcastle, and integral to the shaping of our region’s future.”

“This project and the development of a clean energy industry at the Port will create thousands of new jobs, while crucially diversifying our local economy.”

Quotes attributable to Meryl Swanson MP:

“I’m delighted to be part of a Hunter team in an Albanese Labor Government that invests in the future of Hunter workers.

“This investment will position the Hunter region as a national leader in Hydrogen and clean energy, ensuring our region has secure jobs for decades to come.

Quotes attributable to Dan Repacholi MP:

“The Hunter has been the powerhouse of the NSW energy and export market for well over a century, and by ensuring our Port is hydrogen ready, will ensure that we continue to be the powerhouse for centuries to come.”