Martin Ferguson AM MP
Minister for Resources and Energy
Minister for Tourism
Senator Kim Carr
Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
Sharon Grierson MP
Member for Newcastle
Newcastle has further cemented its place as a technology centre for Australia’s clean energy future with the opening today of the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER).
Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson AM MP said the NIER will be a hub for leading-edge research into the development of clean energy sources.
The $42.2 million project is backed by $30 million in Australian Government funding through the Education Investment Fund. This funding will build capacity at the NIER allowing for both a significant increase in research training as well as providing sufficient facilities to accommodate both industry partners and academic researchers in one location.
“Today we mark a number of important milestones in this key project with the refurbished BHP Billiton site, which includes 20 labs and five high-quality industrial-scale pilot-plant workshops becoming operational, and work on the new research building commencing,” Minister Ferguson said.
“Better managing consumption of energy and water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing new energy sources are at the heart of the government’s plan for Australia’s clean energy future and the NIER will significantly contribute to achieving these objectives.”
Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, said around 300 research staff will bring their expertise and insights to the task when the NIER is fully operational, working together to create a new generation of energy production and distribution systems.
“Research conducted at the NIER will help industry to discover new ways of using less energy, which is good for business and good for the environment,” Senator Carr said.
“It will be overseen by a newly formed Governance Board chaired by Dr Eileen Doyle and is a fantastic example of the facilities and partnerships the Government is establishing through the Education Investment Fund.”
Member for Newcastle, Sharon Grierson said the Hunter region was emerging as not only a national but an international hub for the development of clean energy technology.
“Newcastle already boasts some really impressive clean energy projects and initiatives including the Government’s $100 million Smart Grid, Smart City project and the CSIRO’s Energy Centre, home of the CSIRO Solar Research Tower and headquarters of the $150 million Australian Solar Institute,” Ms Grierson said.
“It is investments like these and the NIER that together with a price on carbon and the Renewable Energy Target will help us transition to a clean energy future. I’m confident Newcastle is well-positioned to lead this change.”
Further information about the Institute is available at www.newcastle.edu.au/research/newcastle-institute-for-energy-resources/