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.

New energy data suggests Kurri Kurri gas plant doesn't add up

BY DAKOTA TAIT

New data has put a damper on the recently-approved Kurri Kurri gas plant project, with concern it doesn't add up in the wider energy picture.

The Climate Council found gas contributed just 1.5 percent of the State's energy in 2021, the lowest level in 15 years.

Renewable sources, however, supplied 24.6 percent, or almost a quarter of the energy generated in New South Wales.

Across Australia, renewables provided five times as much power as gas.

The Climate Council's Greg Bourne, a former BP Australasia President, says the Hunter Power Project doesn't make sense from either a commercial or environmental point of view.

"It really doesn't stack up, and many people have actually said, this does not make commercial sense and it's more sort of driven by the politics and so on," Mr Bourne said.

"What we're seeing everywhere, is gas as a percentage in the mix, going down and down and down."

"What we think logically should be happening, and we're seeing it elsewhere as well, is more batteries, more storage, more hydro power, virtual power plants, and demand management, doing what is needed as we go forward."

"So our belief is that Kurri Kurri need not go ahead."

The Federal Government has long insisted the Kurri Kurri plant is necessary for both long-term energy supply and affordability with the closure of Liddell Power Station in 2023.

Labor also said their government would endorse the project, if it began operation on 30 percent hydrogen, after opposing the project for years.

But Mr Bourne says both the Government and the Opposition need to look toward the future.

"If you build Kurri Kurri with turbines that basically can only take a small amount of hydrogen, then pretty sure, the plant is going to be redundant and obsolete almost before it's built," Mr Bourne said.

"If you build it, so that it is completely ready for up to 100 percent hydrogen or hydrogen plus biogas, then it may be useful, and that's actually a commercial decision."

The data comes as AGL says its Bayswater Power Plant could close as early as 2030, due to pressures over emissions and the rise of renewable sources. 

It's announced a three year closure window between the end of the decade and 2033, despite previously aiming to shut its doors in 2035. 

Federal Labor swing round on Kurri Gas Plant, but with green hydrogen future

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Federal Labor says it will now support the controversial Kurri Kurri Gas Plant project, with the understanding its government would ask Snowy Hydro to operate on 30 percent green hydrogen.

Under its plan, the plant will transition to 100 percent green hydrogen usage, it's hoped by 2030.

With additional investment, the Hunter Power Project is capable of running on 30 percent hydrogen, dependent on fuel logistics, although in its current form under the Federal Government, the plant will likely run initially on just 10 percent hydrogen.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese told reporters in Kurri Kurri on Tuesday, the Government couldn't afford to let the region's renewable potential slip away.

"I see the Hunter as potentially a green hydrogen powerhouse for Australia and the world," Mr Albanese said. "Not just producing it here, but exporting it internationally."

"The problem with this Government, is it's scared of the present, but terrified of the future."

Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change Chris Bowen says it's a necessary investment in the region.

"The Hunter Valley, which has powered Australia for so long, for so many generations, will power Australia into the future, under an Albanese Labor Government," Mr Bowen said.

"What we're doing today, is ensuring that Kurri Kurri is at the center of the hydrogen revolution, which is about to take place right around the world."  

Work is due to begin on the plant in coming months, with completion projected for late 2023.

The $600 million, 660 megawatt generator has long been touted as critical to maintain energy reliability and sustainability once Liddell Power Station closes.

It's understood the Federal Government intends to pipe gas from the Sydney-Newcastle pipeline to power the project.

But Mr Albanese says things need to happen in an intelligent way.

"We need to do something that ensures there's energy security, but which also ensures it's done in a way that's consistent with moving towards net zero by 2050," Mr Albanese said.

"A way that drives economic growth and drives jobs."

Left to right: Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon, Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, Paterson MP Meryl Swanson, Hunter Candidate Dan Repacholi, Shortland MP Pat Conroy, and Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change Chris Bowen.

But the Opposition is facing backlash from both sides of politics.

The Federal Energy Minister described the move as a last minute backflip.

Labor has spent years voicing their opposition to the project on both economic and environmental grounds.

The Gas Free Hunter Alliance pushed the State Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean to block the proposal late last year.

Co-coordinator Fiona Lee says there's no need to invest taxpayer money in dying industries.

"It's very important that there's long-term sustainable jobs in future-focused industries," Ms Lee said.

"However, we do consider it very important that all money should be committed to a rapid transition away from fossil fuels, and this plan will run on gas and diesel for the first seven years."

The Hunter Power Project was approved by the NSW Department of Planning in late December, in an embarrassing email bungle.

Ms Lee says at the end of the day, the project doesn't add up for either party.

"The Australian Energy Market Operator itself, again, has recently said, that there's no new gas generators required until about 2030," Ms Lee said.

"So why don't we wait until such time as this plant is actually needed, and then build it on 100 percent renewable-powered green hydrogen."