The Port of Newcastle is making strides to enhance its Clean Energy Precinct (CEP) through a new Advisory Agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI). This partnership will allow the Port to leverage MHI’s extensive knowledge and technical expertise in the production, storage, and distribution of hydrogen and ammonia. This collaboration is expected to provide critical insights for the ongoing Front End Engineering Design (FEED) studies of the CEP. Craig Carmody, CEO of Port of Newcastle, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating that MHI is a leader in developing next-generation clean energy technologies.
The partnership will be instrumental in shaping the future layout and design of the Clean Energy Precinct. Notably, MHI’s Takasago Hydrogen Park is recognized as the world’s first facility to validate the entire hydrogen value chain, from production to power. The knowledge gained from MHI’s expertise in chemical plant projects will be instrumental in establishing the CEP as a global hydrogen hub. Takehiko Kikuchi, Senior Fellow and Chief Regional Officer for Asia Pacific & India at MHI, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to advise on the development of the CEP’s common user facility.
He highlighted the importance of contributing MHI’s technical expertise to support the Port of Newcastle team in advancing the project. As the only Australian port currently undertaking FEED and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) studies, the Port of Newcastle is at the forefront of clean energy initiatives. These studies, funded by a $100 million grant from the Commonwealth Government and managed by the NSW Government, focus on various critical infrastructure aspects. The dedicated 220-hectare Clean Energy Precinct is projected to significantly impact the local economy, contributing $4.2 billion and creating thousands of new jobs in the Hunter Region by 2040.