Funding Announced for Hunter Hydrogen Hub

BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

The State Government has announced a $45 million funding agreement to build the Hunter Valley Green Hydrogen Hub on Kooragang Island.

The project intends to reduce existing emission-intensive businesses' reliance on fossil fuels.

NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe says the funding will scale up the industry, and will play a key role in transitioning NSW to support clean energy.

"The whole world is currently really in a race to find how to make hydrogen technology work, so things like the hydrogen hub are really going to make that work well. NSW is very committed to this," she said.

The Hunter is one of the leading industrial regions in NSW, contributing $50 billion to NSW's gross state product. 

Ms. Sharpe says the project will boost NSW's position as a major regional and international hydrogen supply chain.

"We want to be not just the first in NSW, we want to be world leaders. We want to set NSW up for the future to be leaders in relation to hydrogen technology. The hydrogen hub is really going to help us with that." 

The project is estimated to generate over 200 jobs in construction.

Residents Call for Another Round of Community Consultation On The Proposed Hunter Offshore Wind Farm

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy says the Federal Government isn't doing enough to keep Hunter and Central Coast residents in the loop about a proposed local wind farm project. 

The almost 3,000 square kilometre Hunter Offshore Wind Zone extends from Port Stephens in the north to Norah Head in the south. 

It's possible turbines could be placed within 10 kilometres of the shore. 

Meeting with members of the Love Norah Head community group this week, Ted O'Brien was told the residents are concerned about the project's potential impacts on the local economy, marine environment, fishing industry and surfers. 

He says, community consultation needs to be properly carried out. 

"They want to be heard they want their questions answered," he said. 

"There was nothing put to me by the community that was unreasonable. No one was out there campaigning against action on climate change or the need for renewable energy sources; they were just going back to basics saying "If you're going to change our way of life, shouldn't we have a say?"

"I'll be making representations to the Minister and the government on their behalf, and we have to remember that it is local, regional communities that are on the frontline of Australia's energy transition, and their voice must be heard and listened to." 

2023 Budget Wrap-up

 BY EMILY WILLIAMS

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced the Federal budget for the year ahead, with energy and Medicare coming out on top.

Leading into Tuesday night's announcement, Hunter residents were most concerned about energy, housing and the cost-of-living crisis.

 Image: Facebook

These are some of the highlights from the 2023 budget:

CLEAN ENERGY

As the country continues its transition away from fossil fuels, the new budget includes a significant investment in clean energy.

A $2 billion Hydrogen Headstart Fund will be established to produce renewable hydrogen as part of the Government's bid to become a "renewable energy superpower".

ENERGY BILL RELIEF

5 million Australians will have a $500 reduction to their energy bills next year.

Those eligible will include pensioners, veterans, seniors and other concession card holders.

Recipients of Carer Allowance and Family Tax Benefits will also benefit from the scheme.

MEDICARE

A $5.7 billion investment in Medicare was announced, including a $3.5 billion incentive to triple bulk-billing for low income families.

The incentive will increase from $6.60 to $19.80.

This coming after the latest Clean Bill report revealed the Hunter had some of the lowest bulk-billing rates in New South Wales.

Vice-President of the Doctors Reform Society Dr Robert Marr praises the move.

"It's really important that people have access to GPs and it's important that Medicare bulk-billing be saved, and that's what the budget has done," he said.

RENTAL CRISIS

As the rental crisis continues to plague the Hunter, more than a million low-income earners will be eligible for rental assistance.

The Commonwealth Rent Assistance package will increase by $31 a fortnight for some recipients.

However, the changes have been criticised by Everybody's Home spokesperson Maiy Azize.

"Those who do get a small increase will find that it has been swallowed by surging rents," she said.

SINGLETON AND MUSWELLBROOK BYPASS

Although not mentioned in the budget, the Singleton and Muswellbrook bypasses will go ahead, Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi has confirmed.

"Which is great news for the residents of the Hunter," he said.

These projects have expected completion dates of 2026 and 2027; however, this is weather dependent.

Plans for Clean Energy Precinct in Newcastle Unveiled

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

The Port of Newcastle has unveiled its concept designs for its 220 hectare Clean Energy Precinct.

This is part of the region's plan to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

The Port of Newcastle's Chief Commercial Officer Simon Byrnes says the future is looking bright.

"The plan sets out how we're going to bring in 1.5 Gigawatts worth of clean energy into the site," he said. 

"Then also the hydrogen, methanol and ammonia production facilities."

The precinct is expected to create around 5,800 new jobs in the Hunter.

Wednesday's announcement is phase one of the plan and hopes to establish the Hunter region as a "clean energy powerhouse".

This coming after Muswellbrook's Liddell Power Station which stopped generating last month, after more than five decades.

There is currently no expected completion date for the site.

Image: Port of Newcastle

Origin Gives Final Green Light for Eraring Battery

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Origin Energy Limited has approved the construction of a large-scale battery at the Eraring Power Station.

The energy giant has committed to an investment of $600 million for the project. 

The 460 MW Battery will have a dispatch time of two hours, and is set to come online in late 2025.  

There's also an option to increase the battery to 700 MW and a four hour dispatch in the future.

The project received initial planning approval from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment in May 2022. 

Construction work is set to begin within a matter of weeks. 

Divide over the closure of Liddell Power Station

BY JORDAN REGNIS

The closure of Liddell Power Station is being felt differently, with environmental groups and politicians divided.

National's leader David Littleproud has expressed his disagreement over the decision while speaking with Sky News' Peta Credlin.

"We've got to look at the practical reality of what's happening and the reckless pace that we're going down, this renewable path," he said

"You need this thing called firming. If you don't have firming power to support renewables, renewables won't work."

The Climate Council has made a point of highlighting the station's unreliability and inability to produce it's maximum amount of power, having to be restarted 335 times last year.

Following Liddell's closure announcement in 2017, investment in renewables has spiked considerably, accounting for more than double the electricity output produced by Liddell across NSW.

Senior Researcher at the Climate Council Dr Carl Tidemann said the nation needs to look to new sources of energy. 

"The time is right to start retiring old and failing coal." 

A string of renewable energy projects for the state are already in the mix, including AGL'S big battery, which will have a capacity of 250 megawatts, along with the New England Solar Farm.

Major Announcement Made for Hunter Wind Farm Project

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen visited Newcastle today, to make a major announcement for the wind farm project slated for the Hunter's coast. 

The proposed 5000-square-kilometre zone for the project was unveiled, which would span the region's coastline between Norah Head and Port Stephens.  

There's projections it could house up to 130 wind turbines, however the exact numbers are yet to be confirmed. 

Mr Bowen, said it's likely the turbines will sit between 10 and 35 kilometres off the shore. 

He also said the project could replace the region's fleet of coal-fired power stations, and would contribute greatly to its economy.  

"The zone that I'm launching today, has the capacity to create up to 8 gigawatts of power, enough to power 6 million homes," Mr Bowen said. 

"It has the capacity to create 4,800 construction jobs and 2,400 ongoing jobs."

The Minister has officially launched the community consultation phase for the project, noting he would take into consideration, their concerns about the farm's visibility, and its impact on the local environment before moving it to the next phase. 

The proposed Hunter Wind Farm zone. 

Newcastle Airport Signs Historic Clean Energy Deal

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Newcastle Airport is one step closer to making the transition to 100% renewable energy, thanks to a new partnership. 

It's been announced today, a new energy purchase agreement has been signed by the airport and Flow Power. 

The agreement with the leading renewable energy retailer, will see the airport achieve its reduced carbon emission target, 7 years ahead of schedule. 

Already, the airport has installed a 99 kilowatt solar system, powering 4% of its needs.

There's future plans for more solar to take the renewable power supply to 30%

Under the new agreement, the plan is for the airport to offset grid consumption with green generation certificates, with the capacity to explore off-site sources in the future, including wind projects when they become available. 

Newcastle Airport CEO Peter Cock, said he's excited to see the airport continue on it's road to a clean energy future. 

"Effectively, all the energy we buy is being offset, so that takes about 2000 tonnes of carbon dioxide out of the environment," he said. 

"Often people like to talk about it in terms of cars; it's like 500 cars being taken off the road." 

NSW Greens Pledge to Use Coal Royalties to Fund the Region's Energy Transition

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The NSW Greens have announced they will introduce a new authority to support the Hunter's transition away from coal, if they win the state election. 

The NSW Transition Authority will use a budget of $500 million, to assist coal-dependent communities to diversify their local economies. 

The Authority will be funded using a progressive coal royalty system, modelled off one currently operating in Queensland. 

It's already estimated to earn the state government an extra $8 billion per year. 

The body will also ban new coal and gas projects like the one slated for Narrabri, will help re-train and place mine workers in new industries. 

Greens MP Abigail Boyd, said coal-ash recycling is one such example. 

"There are thousands of jobs that we can create in various industries, but one of the ones that the Greens have been working with the community for over the last four years in Parliament, is this growing awareness that there is a huge amount of coal-ash sitting in coal-fired power stations, that you can actually turn into light-weight construction aggregates; you can use them in roads, and in pathways."

She also said local residents and workers will be involved in every step of the process. 

Image: Lock the Gate

Newcastle councillor calling for citywide ban on fossil fuel ads

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle Council is set to discuss the possibility of a ban on fossil fuel advertising across the city at its meeting on Tuesday night.

Greens councillor John Mackenzie submitted the notice of motion, arguing it follows in the footsteps of bans on sponsorship from other activities such as gambling, alcohol, or weapons manufacturing.

He says people's attitudes are changing. 

"What we're seeing is local governments right across the country are undertaking this ban in exactly the same way that tobacco advertising was banned in the 80s and 90s," he said.

"We're recognising that the social and environmental and health consequences of supporting fossil fuels can no longer be tolerated. We're hearing the message from the community, and it starts with banning advertising which helps promote and advocates on behalf of these industries."

If successful, the motion would start with restrictions on fossil fuel advertising on council-owned and controlled signage and properties.

From there, Cr Mackenzie says Council could explore other opportunities and call on the State and Federal Governments to pursue a similar ban at a broader ban.

The ban would apply to all forms of advertising for the extraction and sale of coal, oil, or gas products.

It's unclear if the proposal to prohibit sponsorships would mean a stopper on funding from streams such as the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund or the State Government's Resources for Regions program.

"At this stage, what we want to do is make it very clear that the City of Newcastle won't be supporting that kind of advertising," Cr Mackenzie said.

"Then we can use that position to talk to the Port or to the Newcastle Knights and other companies and interests in the region, to see what opportunities there are for working together on reducing the role that fossil fuel advertising plays in our day-to-day lives."

Mannering Park sees second mass fish kill in a month

BY DAKOTA TAIT

There has been a second fish kill at Mannering Park, less than a month after a first incident in early August.

Thousands of fish were found dead on the shoreline at Wyee Bay on August 6, with the EPA concluding the water column had likely been overturned when cooler weather conditions collided with the warmer temperatures of the cooling water emitted by Vales Point Power Station. 

The Hunter Community Environment Centre (HCEC) was notified by a community member yesterday, finding hundreds more fish dead on the shore at Wyee Bay.

In a statement, Delta Electricity rejected the HCEC's claims, arguing far fewer fish were killed than the organisation suggested.

"Rather than leave fish to rot on the shoreline, Delta (as a good local citizen) deployed some staff to assist with the clean-up," the statement said. "There were about 100 fish, mostly mullet, and claims of ‘a total of three ute loads of fish were removed from the lake’ are incorrect."

"Delta has undertaken its own investigations and has fully co-operated with the EPA as part of its investigations, which included EPA site attendance and water sampling yesterday."

The company's described claims by the HCEC that thermal pollution contributed to the August fish kill as "selective and misleading".

While the EPA report described it as a "natural event", it did cite the elevated temperatures at Mannering Park as a contributing factor in the turnover of the water column and the occurrence of tropical fish, attracted and acclimatized to the warmer water temperatures, who were overwhelmed by the upset in temperatures, as well as by the sediment disruption.

The HCEC argues the fish kills are an indicator that more research needs to be done into the impact of temperature disruptions and thermal pollution on Lake Macquarie.

Image credit: Hunter Community Environment Centre.

Mt Pleasant mine expansion given go-ahead despite environmental concerns

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The NSW Independent Planning Commission has given MACH Energy the green light to move forward with a major expansion of its Mount Pleasant mine near Muswellbrook.

The mine won't only extend its lifespan by 22 years to 2048, but also double annual coal extraction to 21 million tonnes.

Environmental activists such as the Lock the Gate Alliance are slamming the decision, however.

NSW Coordinator Nic Clyde says it's a step in the wrong direction.

"The coal industry is running policy in NSW Government," he said. "It was not unexpected, but it's still a catastrophic decision."

"This is actually the largest coal mine expansion approved by a long shot, since the Paris Agreement entered into force back into 2016. It's quite a disaster for New South Wales and for Australia."

"It's pretty clear - from the International Energy Agency, the global scientific community, former Chief Scientist of Australia Penny Sackett, anyone who's paying attention - that no new coal, oil, or gas projects can be approved anywhere on the planet, if we're going to keep warming to a safe level."

The Commission will subject the mine to strict conditions around air quality, noise pollution, and the impacts on Indigenous cultural heritage, biodiversity, and emissions.

Mr Clyde's described the conditions as "hopelessly inadequate" and "weak", however, arguing the project's economic and jobs benefit is insignificant in the long run, and the Hunter should instead be transitioning to new industries.

251 of the 689 submissions made to the Commission were opposed to the project.

Lock the Gate is now calling on Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to get involved and veto the expansion.

Mr Clyde says the project will have far-reaching consequences not only for the planet and the environment, but for local health.

"The Upper Hunter community is already dealing with huge air pollution loads," he said. "There's a real asthma problem."

"There was really disturbing evidence that the Planning Commission heard from an air quality expert, who was saying that there is no safe level of that fine PM2.5 particulate air pollution in the Hunter."

"On that basis alone, the project should not have been approved."

Image credit: MACH Energy.

Offshore wind potential welcomed by Hunter's peak business body

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter's peak business body is welcoming the Federal Government's hopes to develop an offshore wind farm on the region's coast.

The Federal Energy Minister declared the ocean off Newcastle one of six potential offshore wind zones, to fill the gap in the energy and support the push for a 43 percent emissions reduction by 2030.

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes says it's great news for the region, and will gives developers certainty to invest the region.

"We are aware of a range of strong and serious proponent interest in offshore wind projects off the Hunters coast and this was re-affirmed in the expression of interest process for the Renewable Energy Zone in the Hunter run recently by the NSW Government," he said.

"The Hunter is ideally placed to have offshore wind farms, with onshore transmission infrastructure largely in place and potential offtakes required to support the ventures also identified that would support an offshore wind farm and more broadly a national renewable energy industry."

"Having local large users of energy in proximity will not only give confidence to project proponents but also the users of the energy as they would face a bleak future if we don’t commission renewable energy projects that have a capacity to generate reliable and affordable power at scale."

Energy woes continue as Liddell turbine taken offline

BY DAKOTA TAIT

There's been another turbine failure at Liddell Power Station.  

Turbine Four was taken offline on Monday, stripping the station of a third of its capacity. 

The station only has three turbines, after one was closed in April ahead of a total closure next year.

Liddell only returned to full capacity two weeks ago, after generator malfunctions earlier in winter.

The malfunction's been put down to a leaking hydraulic tube and is expected to take a week to repair.   

There's concern, it could more pressure on the stretched energy grid, as the energy regulator calls for the switch to renewables to speed up.

Port Stephens spruiking the city's solar future with panel program

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Port Stephens Council is set to install new solar panels on 14 community buildings as part of its effort to become carbon neutral by 2025.

The solar photovoltatic systems are expected to slash Council's energy bills by $91,920 each year and cut energy usage by 25 percent.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says it'll make a huge difference to the city's environmental footprint.

"The installation of these solar photovoltaic systems on community buildings across Port Stephens is part of our broader commitment to driving sustainability through investment in renewable energy options," he said.

"We aren’t immune to the impacts of climate change. Increased sea level rise, intensity and frequency of storms, plus bushfire and rainfall patterns, are challenging the way we manage our environment."

"We recognise the role we have as a community leader in environmental sustainability and minimising the environmental impacts of our facilities - with these small changes, we hope to start making a big difference."

The buildings to benefit include four sports complexes, all three aquatic centres, the Visitor Information Centre, the Nelson Bay Depot, and Fingal Bay Surf Club. 

Council already has solar systems set up at its Administration Building, Raymond Terrace library, Tomaree library, community centres linked to Rural Fire Service stations, and the Salamander Waste Transfer Station.

The panels are expected to be up and running by mid-August.

Energy regulator sets sights on Hunter Transmission Project to counter blackouts

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has released a new 30-year roadmap, hoping to safeguard the electricity grid across the Hunter and the country against further energy crises.

The Integrated System Plan is calling for more investment in new transmission lines, with the expectation the grid will be able to meet 100 percent of demand with entirely renewable energy sources.

The plan argues a nine-fold increase in wind and solar capacity, five-fold in rooftop solar, and triple in storage, gas, and hydro will be needed to secure supply, with electricity consumption expected to double by 2050.

Five major project areas have been identified, including a Sydney Ring proposal, focusing on energy supply to Newcastle, Wollongong, and Sydney.

The northern part of the project, the Hunter Transmission Project, is likely to revolve around large-scale capacity projects like the Waratah Super Battery and other development around renewable energy zones.

Climate Council Senior Researcher Tim Baxter says it's critical infrastructure for the region's future.

"The Waratah Super Battery is the type of project that the work on transmission will enable," he said. 

"That allows us to shore up the grid, it allows us to enable deeper penetration of cheap and clean renewable energy."

"For industrial places like the Hunter, that's going to mean the ability to deliver cheap Australian energy, produced from the wind and sun."

A 500kV transmission link is also being proposed between the Eraring and Bayswater substations.

The option is being estimated to cost as much as $1.35 billion, with a southern alternative costed at more than $3 billion.

The report suggests delivery in 2027-28, dependent on other constraints.

Newcastle forum set to discuss energy issues

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Future energy plans will be discussed at length, in the Newcastle Institute's next monthly forum.

The forum will include experts across three renewable energy topics, including green hydrogen, technologies, and future job arrangements.

Speakers include engineer and researcher Dr Jessica Allen, the NSW Treasury Energy Corporation's Adam Clarke, and Hunter Jobs Alliance coordinator Warwick Jordan.

Chairman Ross Kerridge says it's an important topic to discuss.

"There is still a lot of questions about how this is going to happen, how the technology works and how it will impact jobs," he said.

"New energy provides new challenges, which will impact infrastructure and jobs in the Hunter, so we need to know about those things."

"There's going to be a need for new infrastructure to provide stable energy, and store it when it's in abundance."

The forum comes amid major shifts to the region's energy sector, such as the Mount Arthur Coal Mine's recently announced 2030 closure. 

The event's scheduled for July 13 at the United Sports Club in Adamstown.

Mt Arthur closure date sparks critical eight years for mine workers

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The next eight years will be important to get right, say advocates for local mine workers, as BHP announces plans to close the Mt Arthur coal mine in 2030.

The company revealed the decision yesterday, after failing to find a buyer to take over the site.

The mine has approval until 2026 and intended to extend its lifespan until 2045, but will now apply with the expectation to end operations in 2030.

The Mining and Energy Union is now calling on BHP to reinvest in workers and their families, as well as the broader community impacted by the closure.

Northern District Mining President Robin Williams says it's come as a surprise to a lot of workers.

"When they started to work at the mine, they probably started there thinking that they'd probably retire at the mine, and now that's not going to be realised by the vast majority of people that work at that operation," he said.

"There's not going to be enough jobs, in my opinion, in the rehabilitation of the mine or renewables around the area, if renewables end up eventuating to take up the account of all those people.

"Whether or not they can transition to other mines that are still going to be operational around the area, I guess that remains to be seen."

BHP is promising to take responsibility for the region's transition and help diversify the Hunter Valley economy ahead of the impending closure.

The company says it will consult employees, local businesses, indigenous groups, and all levels of government to develop a plan for the region's future.

Hunter MP-elect Dan Repacholi says he's hoping to work with BHP and make sure the company gets a fair outcome by the end of the decade.

"For the workers, this has given some security for the next eight years, which I think that's a good thing," he said. "I appreciate BHP being upfront with the workers and the community about the future of the mine site there."

"The big thing is though, they need to make sure the highly-skilled workforce be supported, and job transfer opportunities available and training available for them then to go into different industries."

"I've worked in the mining energy sector, and I have mates that actually work at this mine site - this is a personal issue for me."

Image credit: BHP.

Labor commits $16 million for new energy research hub at University of Newcastle

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Labor has announced $16 million for a new facility at the University of Newcastle, for research into hydrogen and other renewable energy industries in the Hunter.

It's hoped, the proposed Energy Skills Hub will foster stronger relationships between research and industry, and help small businesses get access to world-leading developments and advances. 

Investment in cleaner energy options is also considered central for the region's transition, both in developing new jobs and maintaining low energy prices.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon says it's a logical next step for the Hunter.

"We, of course, come from a region with a highly-skilled workforce, terrific research and development on an industrial scale, and we have an abundance of resources in this region," Ms Claydon said.

"We are really poised to play a lead role for Australia to become a renewable energy superpower."

It comes just a day after the Prime Minister announced the Federal Government's own commitment to a $50 million partnership with the University of Newcastle and the University of New South Wales, exploring new technology options in tandem with local industry partners.

Labor maintains, however, the Coalition has an unclear line when it comes to renewable energy, especially hydrogen.

The University has also welcomed the collaboration with a possible Albanese Government, with hopes it will be a boost both to the region's workforce and to research staff.

Shortland MP Pat Conroy says the Hunter has powered the country for a century, and he'd like to see it stay that way.

"We are desperately keen for the Hunter to continue to expand in that role," Mr Conroy said.

"Whether it's green steel, having Newcastle as a steel city again, whether it's exporting hydrogen or green ammonia, all other exciting technologies.

"These are good-paying, secure jobs that Labor has a vision to secure for our region."

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon, Labor Candidate for Hunter Dan Repacholi, and Shortland MP Pat Conroy.

PM promises $50 million technology partnership for University of Newcastle

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Prime Minister was in the Hunter on Wednesday morning, announcing a $50 million investment in a new business and research partnership with the University of Newcastle and the University of New South Wales.

The universities will work with 27 industry partners, including 23 small businesses, to develop and deploy new technology options.

They'll explore advances in hydrogen fuel and storage, green aluminium and other metals, zero emissions aviation, and ultra-low-cost solar.

The industry collaborators have also promised more than $220 million in co-investment, and it's expect to create 1,600 jobs over the next four years.

It's the third in the Federal Government's Trailblazer program, aiming at taking advantage of research capabilities to meet manufacturing goals.

Scott Morrison says it's important to see sectors come together for the future of the Hunter and the country.

"A key part of our economic plan is to ensure that we achieve that collaboration, and it supports in particular advanced manufacturing in this country, so we make things here in this country," Mr Morrison said.

"Our advanced manufacturing sector is growing, and it's performing strongly, and it will continue to grow and that's why today I'm launching our plan for modern manufacturing."

Liberal Candidate for Shortland Nell McGill and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.