The New South Wales Government has recently announced a $52 million funding initiative aimed at advancing the state's renewable energy manufacturing sector. This investment is expected to create over 100 construction jobs and 67 long-term employment opportunities, further driving the green transition of local manufacturing.
This funding is part of the NSW Government's $480 million 'Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative', which aims to accelerate emission reduction processes and support the research and development of technologies needed for the renewable energy transition. The initiative covers 40 projects across the state and is expected to support more than 1,100 jobs.
In the latest round of funding allocations, several innovative companies have received support. Griffith-based Optimal Renewable Gas received $20 million to convert agricultural organic waste into gaseous fuel for heating and power generation. Hiringa Energy, near Moree, was allocated $9.4 million to scale up the production of low-carbon ammonia fertilizer, supporting sustainable cotton farming and reducing agricultural emissions.
Additionally, Hiringa Refuelling Australia received $778,000 to build hydrogen refueling stations, aiming to replace diesel use in heavy vehicles and support a proposed green freight corridor between Sydney and southeast Queensland. Tyree Transformers was granted $22 million to manufacture transformers that can reduce energy loss in the transmission from solar and wind farms.
NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe announced these funding awards during a visit to the Braemar facility. She emphasized, "This is part of a $480 million investment to help NSW industries lead the clean energy transition and create high-skilled manufacturing jobs in our regions." She added, "We should be building the technologies that will power our future right here in NSW."
These projects are expected to provide 67 permanent positions and promote development in communities across the Southern Highlands, Riverina, and the state's northwest. Sharpe concluded, "They demonstrate the power of working with industry to create jobs, cut emissions, and build the clean technologies of the future right here in NSW."
