The Clean Energy Precinct Recycled Water Supply Project, developed by coNEXA, in partnership with the Port of Newcastle, has reached a major milestone with the submission of the State Significant Infrastructure Scoping Report, marking the commencement of the planning approval process.
The Project will expand the Kooragang Industrial Water Scheme (KIWS) to supply an additional 22.6 ML/day of recycled wastewater to the Clean Energy Precinct. This will be achieved through the modification of Hunter Water Corporation’s Edgeworth and Toronto wastewater treatment plants to enable diversion of effluent, construction of a ~17 km effluent supply pipeline, bulk storage facility, break pressure tank, expanded recycled water treatment facilities and a trade waste discharge pipeline.
The project provides a secure and sustainable source of water for large scale clean energy production, providing a competitive advantage over other proposed hydrogen hubs in Australia and globally.
“We are proud to lead this critical project that will underpin the water needs of the Clean Energy Precinct” said Kurt Dahl, CEO of coNEXA. “By utilising a treated effluent resource, that would otherwise be discharged to the ocean, we’re reducing the demand on potable water resources, while enabling large-scale clean energy production, promoting long-term water security, environmental sustainability and fostering a circular economy. This is a powerful example of how sustainable water infrastructure can drive regional transformation.”
Hunter Water is proud to support the Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct by facilitating access to sustainable water infrastructure that supports new industries while protecting drinking water supplies.
“Water is essential to green hydrogen production. By facilitating the use of recycled water for this new industrial use, we’re helping to preserve our region’s precious drinking water resources, while enabling the growth of a clean energy economy in the Hunter,” said Hunter Water Managing Director, Darren Cleary.
“Hunter Water is committed to working with industry and our partners to deliver fit-for-purpose water solutions that support innovation, sustainability and regional economic development. The Clean Energy Precinct demonstrates how strategic infrastructure investments can unlock long-term environmental and economic benefits for our region, without compromising water security.”
Port of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Infrastructure Services, Raymond Hohle, said the submission of this scoping report marks another key milestone for the Port’s Clean Energy Precinct.
“The Clean Energy Precinct is central to the Port of Newcastle’s diversification strategy which aims to create the Port that our community, our region, and our state needs for the future.
“A sustainable water solution is central to the Precinct’s success, and we’re excited that coNEXA has reached this key milestone. It puts the project yet another step closer to completion, cementing Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct as Australia’s most mature and attractive clean energy project for investment,” he said.
Early engagement with key stakeholders has played a critical role in shaping the project’s direction. Feedback gathered during the scoping phase has informed the preferred pipeline route, bulk storage locations, and concept design. As the project progresses into the detailed design and environmental assessment phases, further opportunities will be available for stakeholders and the broader community to engage, share feedback and help refine the project.
The Clean Energy Precinct Water Supply Project is a cornerstone of the Port of Newcastle’s vision to become a leading clean energy hub, delivering long-term environmental, economic and social benefits to the region.
For more information, visit conexa.com/poncleanenergyprecinct/