Port of Newcastle builds a future in hydrogen

The project will assess opportunities for hydrogen and green ammonia production, fuel storage and fuel export, which aims to cement Newcastle’s role as a leading hub for sustainable trade. 

“Developing a final business case that reflects stronger Australia-Europe energy links is essential to realising our clean-energy vision,” said Craig Carmody, CEO of Port of Newcastle.

“This is about applying commercial discipline to achieve our Net Zero 2040 commitment.”

Commercial viability

Backed by AUS$100 million in Federal Government funding, the Clean Energy Precinct (CEP) spans 220 hectares and aims to cut over 1.6 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually through green ammonia exports to international markets.

HPC will focus on translating the CEP’s vision into a commercially viable plan by identifying partnerships, investment models and infrastructure priorities aligned with global hydrogen demand.

Its remit includes analysing fuel production pathways and the logistics of handling green ammonia within existing and future port infrastructure.

HPC will also integrate technical, economic and environmental planning to ensure the CEP supports both domestic decarbonisation and international energy supply chains.

“Port of Newcastle is writing the next chapter of its history and we’re excited to contribute,” said Christina Prieser, associate partner at HPC.

“Our role is to help structure the business case in a way that balances ambition with commercial logic – looking at how green ammonia could fit into future transport flows, where market demand might emerge and what it takes to move from potential to practical next steps.”