Plenty of support for the creation of a Hunter Renewable Energy Industrial Precinct

The precinct would connect to renewable energy generation through high voltage transmission lines with access to clean heat and renewable hydrogen production and infrastructure.

It would provide benefits to energy-intensive businesses such as aluminium smelting, hydrogen production, green steel manufacture, chemicals production and recycling.

It would also provide a home for manufacturers of clean technologies such as wind turbines, batteries, electric vehicle chargers, electric buses and mining equipment.

Companies including Molycop, Ampcontrol and MGA Thermal have already given support for the project.

Beyond Zero Emissions chief executive officer Heidi Lee said the Hunter had an opportunity to meet growing global demand for zero-emissions products as countries and companies commit to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions.

“Establishing Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts help our region’s manufacturers seize that competitive advantage the state’s abundance of renewable energy offers. They also benefit companies who rely on low-emissions supply chains for their business,” she said.

“But with countries around the world eyeing the same prize, there’s no time to lose.”