Renewable Energy Decision-Makers and Community Unite to Empower Newcastle Towards Net Zero Future

Newcastle, NSW — A keynote address by NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe will spearhead discussions on clean energy, jobs, and investment as the City of Newcastle urges Novocastrians to become net zero champions.

This event follows the successful launch of the Empowering Newcastle series at City Hall last month, which saw over 800 attendees gather to hear from renowned Australian engineer, inventor, and renewable energy entrepreneur Saul Griffith on the topic of electrifying Newcastle.

Minister Sharpe will join Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, business leaders, and community members at City Hall on 17 August to highlight the opportunities surrounding the Hunter’s renewable energy transition. Experts in renewable energy and representatives from the NSW Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and EnergyCo will also participate, sharing insights on the Hunter’s renewable energy zone and government initiatives to support a net zero transition.

City of Newcastle will outline its Empowering Newcastle community program, aimed at supporting residents, businesses, schools, and community groups in their switch to renewable energy and electrification to create a net zero future, based on the Rewiring Australia model. This program will provide a variety of online resources and will deliver a free Climate Champions training program later in the year, equipping emerging climate leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to drive electrification campaigns and projects across the city.

The City is also exploring the feasibility of a solar and battery bulk buy program to help the community purchase affordable, high-quality solar and battery systems from trusted suppliers. Additionally, youth-based and sustainability grants will be offered to foster local climate action.

Minister Sharpe highlighted the Hunter’s leadership in placing people at the heart of energy transition discussions. “We’re in the business of providing good, secure jobs for the future, and the Renewable Energy Zones are essential to this,” she said. “Increasing the production of renewable energy and access to rooftop solar and batteries is crucial for the environment as we tackle climate change, place downward pressure on bills, and ensure that our State achieves net zero by 2050.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes expressed her enthusiasm for the event, which brings together key players in the city’s net zero future. “One of our crowning achievements of the last decade is the planning, hard work, and results that continue to move us further towards sustainability,” Cr Nelmes stated. “Through our Newcastle Environment Strategy, we’re supporting the transition of our local government area to net zero emissions, encouraging an accelerated uptake of solar and batteries, electric or zero emissions transport and buildings, as well as community renewable energy projects.”

Cr Nelmes encouraged community participation in the Empowering Newcastle series. “Whether you’re already engaged in the clean energy transition or just starting to take an interest, I’d strongly encourage you to attend the event at City Hall on 17 August for this important and timely discussion.”

City of Newcastle will also host a roundtable on electric vehicles and low emissions transport on 8 August. This event will gather stakeholders, including Transport for NSW, the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, the University of Newcastle, Business Hunter, and Port of Newcastle, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to electric vehicles and low emissions transport in Newcastle.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen welcomed the roundtable as an opportunity for City of Newcastle to engage with stakeholders towards a common goal of tackling climate change and ensuring energy security. “We embrace our role in addressing climate change, and City of Newcastle has leadership we’re proud to share in response to this challenge we all face,” Cr Clausen said. “Hosting key stakeholders is a golden opportunity for City of Newcastle to align our plans with our industry partners, helping us to achieve our community’s commitment to be net zero by 2040.”

To secure tickets to the free 17 August Empowering Newcastle event with Minister Sharpe at City Hall, visit: trybooking.com/CSVXK.