Port of Newcastle advances Clean Energy Precinct with MHI

The Port of Newcastle has signed a formal Advisory Agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), thereby advancing its Clean Energy Precinct (CEP).

The Agreement will enable the Port of Newcastle to draw upon MHI’s knowledge and technical expertise in the production, storage and distribution of hydrogen and ammonia, providing insights to inform the CEP’s Front End Engineering Design (FEED) studies, which are currently underway.

The dedicated 220-hectare Clean Energy Precinct will facilitate clean energy production, storage, distribution and export and once fully developed, will reportedly contribute $4.2 billion to the economy and generate thousands of new jobs in the Hunter Region by 2040.

Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said: “MHI is at the forefront of the research and development of next-generation clean energy production technologies, so being able to tap into the wealth of expertise MHI possesses is going to be incredibly valuable in informing the future site layout, enablement and design of the Clean Energy Precinct.

“MHI’s Takasago Hydrogen Park is the first in the world that can validate the full value chain of hydrogen from production to power and we will be able to utilise the knowledge MHI has in relation to chemical plant projects, including the production and handling of hydrogen, ammonia synthesis and storage, to best position the CEP, the Port and the Hunter Region for success as a future global hydrogen hub.”

Last October, the Port of Newcastle signed agreements for Front End Engineering Designs (FEED) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for various infrastructure projects for its Clean Energy Precinct (CEP).