Net Zero Economy Authority

Major battery investment powers Newcastle’s energy future ⚡

Newcastle is set to host a 200 MW grid-scale battery at the Steel River Industrial Estate, part of a $100 million NSW Government investment in large-scale energy storage.

The Newcastle project is one of four batteries being delivered across NSW, and together they’ll have the capacity to power up to 118,000 homes each day.

These projects will help store energy and keep power reliable as older coal stations retire.

A practical step forward, and another example of how Newcastle and the Hunter are helping lead the shift to a more reliable, modern energy system.

🔗 Read more here: http://srkr.io/6187BGct

MCi Carbon opens world-first carbon refinery in Newcastle.

The world’s first carbon refinery, Myrtle, has officially opened in Newcastle, turning CO₂ into useful materials like concrete and paint.

Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen said: ‘This demonstration plant is a glimpse of what could become a major new industry for places like Newcastle and the Hunter.’

This is more than a new facility — it’s a sign of what’s possible:

✅ Cutting emissions
✅ Creating new industries
✅ Supporting future jobs in regional economies

A really exciting step forward for clean industry in the Hunter.

Learn more below in the comments 👇

The Hunter has powered Australia for generations ⚡

Today, it’s becoming a hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing, training, and sustainable industries.

The Net Zero Economy Authority is working with local communities to help ensure energy system change supports jobs and businesses.

New opportunities are emerging — from the Hunter Valley Solar Foundry ☀️ to MGA Thermal’s energy storage innovation 🔋

Training is key, with new pathways through TAFE NSW and The University of Newcastle, Australia 👷

The Hunter has a strong future built on skills, innovation and new industries and the NZEA is backing the workers driving it.

The Latrobe Valley and broader Gippsland region has long been recognised as the heart of Victoria’s energy sector.

Today, it’s writing a new chapter, focused on jobs, innovation and new forms of energy ⚡

The Net Zero Economy Authority is working closely with local communities to help ensure the energy transition supports workers and businesses.

New opportunities are already emerging — from Latrobe Magnesium ♻️ to the Hazelwood Battery 🔋, along with projects like Delburn Wind Farm and Marinus Link.

Training initiatives like Tradeswomen Australia's Powering Her Pathway are also helping open doors for more women in energy and trades 👷‍♀️

Latrobe and Gippsland have a strong future built on skills, innovation and new industries and the NZEA is backing the workers driving it.

Learn more in the comments 👇

We’ve got some exciting news to share! 🎉

A huge congratulations to our amazing colleague Effie Tan, who has been awarded the 2026 R.G. Menzies Scholarship to Harvard!

Effie will be heading to Harvard Business School to complete her MBA, an incredible achievement and a testament to her hard work, passion, and commitment to making a difference in health, climate policy, and gender equity.

We are so proud to have Effie as part of the NZEA community and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll continue to make on a global stage.

Please join us in congratulating her! 👏

With change, comes new opportunities.

For generations, the Latrobe Valley has powered Victoria. The industries built around coal-fired energy created jobs, communities and economic strength.

Now, as Australia’s energy system changes, the region is again at the centre of a transformation, one supported by the NZEA.

The NZEA team will continue to work closely with industry, unions, councils, community groups; and across local, State and Commonwealth government to continue to build a more diverse and resilient regional economy.

Learn more at http://srkr.io/6188B1oo

A strong finish to Hunter New Energy Week with the Hunter New Energy Symposium in Newcastle.

A key takeaway: success will come through collaboration with communities, industry and government working together to unlock opportunities and drive long-term prosperity.

The event brought together leaders from across industry, government and research to focus on how the Hunter can deliver a new energy future.

We’re proud to support a practical, place-based transition in the Hunter.

Supporting local jobs and businesses in the Hunter and Central Coast 👷‍♂️⚡

A new supplier showcase is helping connect local businesses with major energy transmission projects, creating opportunities and keeping work in the region.

Engineering and fabrication company Alfabs Group of Companies, based in Kurri Kurri, is one of the local businesses already involved. With more than 240 employees and experience delivering major infrastructure projects across the Hunter, they’re ready to play a key role in Australia’s energy future.

Find out how the Net Zero Economy Authority is helping communities and businesses benefit from the energy transition in the comment section below 👇

Why stop at 4 hours? 🔋

Big batteries today are typically designed for around four hours and that makes perfect sense for managing the daily evening peak.

But what happens when the sun doesn’t shine… or the wind doesn’t blow? That’s where long duration energy storage comes in.

Australian Renewable Energy Agency explains that as we move towards a grid powered mostly by renewables, we’ll need storage that can deliver energy for 8+ hours or even longer to keep the system reliable.

🌤 Solar and wind are variable
⚡ Storage fills the gaps
🔋 Longer storage = greater reliability

✅ Four hours works for today
✅ Longer duration storage powers tomorrow

👉 Learn more: http://srkr.io/6181B1dP

🔎 Explore where big batteries are supporting the grid: http://srkr.io/6182B1du