Energy opportunities and advocacy in the Hunter

Set up in 2012, the initial focus of our Energy and Resources (E&R) cluster was on identifying various mining infrastructure projects in the Hunter and beyond. This has now been expanded to include energy infrastructure.

We’re increasingly building strong knowledge and representation in this area and at various energy forums. Our focus is on diversification rather than replacement in all areas of this emerging market, particularly hydrogen, solar, and offshore wind generation.

Our E&R cluster goals

• Showcase emerging project opportunities in the Energy & Resources sectors so that members can pursue collaborations
• Share knowledge and insights on trends and horizon changes in E&R so that members can position themselves for future relevance
• Promote member capabilities to industry sector primes
• Develop working groups engaged in supply chain participation projects
• Engage new and existing mining houses and energy providers (power stations), including renewables

Our cluster participants

Attend our upcoming Energy & Resources events

To facilitate our work, we hold a range of events including forums – which include a presentation, a review of major project opportunities, and networking – as well as dinners, awards nights and conferences.

Our E&R cluster at work

In early 2021, HunterNet was approached by the founders of Oceanex Energy, a company aiming to develop offshore wind with a manufacturing and support base in Newcastle and the Hunter. After initial discussions, Oceanex joined us as a Patron Member and presented their project aims at our Energy & Resources Forum.

This activity achieved its aim of informing members of the specific project opportunity – an extremely large, cornerstone opportunity for the region. It also provided an initial education for members in a far horizon sense as to what is an “origination industry” for Australia since no offshore wind infrastructure currently exist here.

The project cuts across HunterNet’s Environment & Sustainability cluster as it’s all about providing renewable ‘green’ energy and Infrastructure & Asset Management cluster, as it requires substantial infrastructure development to achieve.

HunterNet set up a program for Oceanex to visit various HunterNet members likely to add value as part of an overall collaboration for the long-term project to familiarise them with the region’s capabilities and industry sophistication. This initial orientation reduced any doubt or uncertainty that the region offered a location of choice to set up the project.

HunterNet support Oceanex’s representation to Federal Parliament in the Offshore Energy Bills debate. The bills have now been passed into legislation, providing greater certainty for Oceanex and other offshore electrification energy developers.