Discussion Group – May

For 200 years, the Hunter has been a powerhouse of Australian mining and energy exports. In fact, Australia’s first export commodity left from the Port of Newcastle as a shipment of coal bound for India in 1799. The region is also well known for manufacturing, and energy-intensive industries such as aluminium and steel.

The Hunter is now writing a new chapter in this proud history as an industrial and energy superpower.

This month we will dive into Beyond Zero Emissions’ ‘Diversifying the Hunter’ project lead by Sam Mella. Sam will share the team’s plans and progress so far in bringing to life the very first Renewable Energy Industrial Precinct.

To maintain the Hunter’s position as a global energy hub in rapidly evolving market conditions, it’s critical we change the way we export energy. That era of loading coal and gas on ships, as we did in 1799, is coming to an end. Australian renewable energy now needs to be embodied in products: steel, aluminium, mining equipment, batteries. And this opens the door for a huge boom in local manufacturing, jobs and prosperity.

Around the world companies like BHP, Apple and IKEA are all working to take emissions out of their supply chain (known as “scope three emissions”). For countries like Australia with massive renewable resources, processing our ores and rare earths onshore and powered by 100% Australian renewable energy, creates local jobs and a new export pathways.

Beyond Zero Emissions knows the Hunter can deliver a world leading zero-emissions supply chain, and we have a plan to get there through Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts.

These precincts will have flexibility and funding to support manufacturers to restructure their operations to become 100% renewable with globally competitive energy prices. Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts could transform the whole of the Hunter towards long term sustainable jobs and growth through regional infrastructure, specialised industry clusters and support for manufacturers to transition towards zero-emissions processes.

Want to know more about Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts? Visit our Repowering Manufacturing page.