Renewable energy decision-makers and community unite to empower Newcastle towards net zero future

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

This follows the successful launch of the Empowering Newcastle event series at City Hall last month attended by more than 800 Novocastrians to hear from Australian engineer, inventor and renewable energy entrepreneur Saul Griffith on electrifying Newcastle.Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, NSW Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy and Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe, and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen.

Minister Sharpe will join Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, business leaders and members of the community at City Hall on August 17 to highlight the opportunities around the Hunter's renewable energy transition.

Renewable energy experts and representatives from the NSW Government's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and EnergyCo will join the discussion, sharing details about the Hunter' renewable energy zone and government initiatives to support a net zero transition.

City of Newcastle will share details of its Empowering Newcastle community program to support residents, businesses, schools and community groups to switch to renewable energy, electrify and create a net zero future, based on the Rewiring Australia model. 

Through the program, City of Newcastle will offer a range of online resources, and deliver a free Climate Champions training program later in the year, to equip emerging climate leaders with the knowledge and skills to deliver electrification campaigns and projects across the city.

City of Newcastle is also exploring the feasibility of a solar and battery bulk buy program to support the community to buy affordable, quality solar and battery systems from trusted suppliers, and will offer youth based and sustainability grants to drive local climate action.

Minister Sharpe said that the Hunter has led the conversation on how to put people at the heart of the changes we are seeing in how our energy needs are met.  

"We’re in the business of providing good secure jobs for the future and the Renewable Energy Zones are essential to this" Minister Sharpe said.

"Increasing the production of renewable energy as well as access to rooftop solar and batteries is good for the environment as we tackle climate change, will place downward pressure on bills and ensure that our State achieves net zero by 2050.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the opportunity to have key players in the city's net zero future in the same room as part of City of Newcastle's Empowering Newcastle event series.

"One our crowning achievements of the last decade is the planning, hard work and results that continue to move us further towards sustainability," Cr Nelmes said.

"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.

"Our Empowering Newcastle event series is a way to encourage the community, business and industry to become involved in this transformation.

"Whether you're across the clean energy transition or you're just starting to take an interest, I'd strongly encourage you to be at City Hall on 17 August for this important and timely discussion."

City of Newcastle will also host a roundtable to discuss electric vehicles and low emissions transport on 8 August. A host of stakeholders will be invited, 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. 

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the roundtable would be a welcome opportunity for City of Newcastle to engage with stakeholders with a common goal to tackle climate change and energy security.  

“We embrace our role in addressing climate 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, and help us to achieve our community’s commitment to be net zero by 2040.” 

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