The Minns Labor Government is calling on manufacturers across the Hunter to apply for a share of $225 million to create more local jobs and help NSW build the products and materials needed for the industries of the future.
The Hunter is one of NSW’s great manufacturing regions, with the skills, industrial base and supply chains needed to play a leading role in the next generation of low-carbon manufacturing.
The $225 million grant round will support commercial and construction-ready projects that can expand local production, attract private investment and create skilled jobs.
As global demand grows for clean energy and low-carbon products, the Minns Labor Government is backing NSW businesses to seize this global opportunity by manufacturing more of these products here at home, including:
· renewable energy components such as wind towers, solar panels, batteries and transmission cables
· low-carbon products such as blended cement, cross-laminated timber and biofuels
· emerging clean technologies such as new-generation renewables and storage, AI-driven agricultural systems and lithium battery recycling.
This funding builds on the success of the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative grants, which are already backing more than 40 projects creating around 1,000 new jobs.
In the Hunter, that funding has supported projects including Hunter Valley Solar Foundry’s new large-scale solar panel manufacturing facility in Black Hill, which received $20 million and is expected to create 300 jobs.
Other Hunter projects backed through the first round include $4.85 million for FPR Energy Limited in Mayfield West to scale renewable heat and power technology, $1.1 million for Renewable Metals Pty Ltd in Muswellbrook to support development of NSW’s first lithium battery recycling refinery, and funding for Orica Australia Pty Ltd in Kooragang to explore industrial carbon capture and reuse.
This next round of funding is an opportunity for more Hunter manufacturers to expand, diversify and help build the industries that will support the region’s economic future.
Successful projects will need to attract significant private investment to NSW, with grant recipients required to match or exceed NSW Government funding dollar-for-dollar.
The investment will create jobs, further the transformation of the state’s energy system, and support NSW’s legislated targets to cut emissions by 70 per cent by 2035 and reach net zero by 2050.
Applications open today. For more information, visit: www.energy.nsw.gov.au/NetZeroManufacturing: http://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/NetZeroManufacturing
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said:
“Our investment in low-carbon manufacturing has already supported the creation of around 1,000 jobs, and this boost will power the next wave of industry and opportunity in the Hunter and across NSW.
“This additional funding will help ensure NSW does not just import technology, but builds more of it locally to benefit communities and workers.”
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:
“The Hunter has always been an industrial powerhouse for NSW, and this funding is about making sure the region is at the centre of the next generation of manufacturing.
“There is a huge global opportunity in clean energy and low-carbon products, and we want Hunter businesses and workers to be in the box seat.”
Member for Port Stephens, Minister Kate Washington said:
“Our local industries are perfectly placed to seize this opportunity to become the leader in low-emissions manufacturing, benefiting local workers, their families and our communities in the Hunter.”
Member for Maitland, Minister Jenny Aitchison said:
“People in the Hunter are some of the most resilient Australians. We have always adapted, innovated and worked hard to deliver for NSW – from energy to commodities to heavy and advanced manufacturing.
“The Minns Labor Government is investing in our region to ensure the Hunter continues to offer secure, skilled and cutting-edge manufacturing jobs close to home, to support the generations of workers who have built this state and our nation.”
Member for Charlestown, Minister Jodie Harrison said:
“This funding will support local workers and manufacturers as the Hunter continues to transition to a low-carbon future.”
Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:
“Newcastle is leading the charge in the transition to net zero industries. We have already seen great Newcastle-based net zero manufacturers receive funding from the NSW Labor Government, and the Government is ready to support even more!
“The Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at Tighes Hill TAFE is inspiring and educating the manufacturers of the future. Grant programs like this back in the innovative ideas coming out of the Centre of Excellence.”
Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery said:
“This welcome funding will create important jobs in low-carbon manufacturing across the Hunter, supporting local workers and a cleaner, more sustainable economy.”
Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:
“The Hunter has a proud manufacturing history and is well placed to play a leading role in NSW’s clean energy future.
This grant funding will help local businesses expand production, attract investment and create skilled jobs across the region.”