Clean Energy

Wollongong: powering Australia's clean energy transition

Wollongong is rapidly emerging as a global leader in clean energy production, equipment and technology. In 2023, the NSW Government declared the Illawarra as a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

More than $750 million in transformative energy infrastructure has already been delivered, with a further $2 billion in projects proposed across green steel, heavy transport, power generation, gas network capability and exports.

Together, these investments are building a connected clean energy ecosystem, linking hydrogen production, enabling infrastructure and industrial decarbonisation at scale.

A connected clean energy ecosystem supporting production and distribution

Wollongong’s clean energy transition is underpinned by a coordinated network of energy infrastructure, hydrogen production and dual‑fuel generation, enabling projects to scale from pilot to real-world application.

The Port Kembla Hydrogen Hub has an ambitious vision to become Australia’s first 5GW+ green hydrogen hub, servicing domestic industry and future export markets by 2030. The hub is attracting investment across production, refuelling, transport and downstream industrial use, underpinned by the port’s scale, energy infrastructure and global connectivity.

Coregas: Hydrogen refueling for heavy vehicles. Coregas operates Australia’s first commercial hydrogen refuelling station for heavy vehicles at Port Kembla. Since 2023, it has supported hydrogen-powered trucks and fleet vehicle trials including the Remondis hydrogen powered refuse truck.

Squadron Energy: LNG import terminal. The Squadron Energy LNG terminal at Port Kembla is Australia’s first regasification facility, providing critical infrastructure to support natural gas supply to service Australia’s east coast. It supports energy security and plays a key role in the transition to lower-emissions energy systems.

Jemena: gas network upgrades. Upgrades to the east-coast gas network mean green hydrogen produced at Port Kembla can now be injected into the gas network. This enables distribution across NSW and Victoria, connecting local production to broader markets.

EnergyAustralia: Tallawarra dual‑fuel power stations. EnergyAustralia’s Tallawarra power stations are Australia’s first dual‑fuel capable generators, able to run on both natural gas and green hydrogen. They provide firming capacity to support increasing renewable energy generation.

Breakthrough technology and innovation

Advanced manufacturing and engineering is in Wollongong's DNA. Wollongong's clean energy ecosystem is underpinned by the University of Wollongong and TAFE NSW powering globally significant innovation.

Hysata: developing the world's most efficient hydrogen electrolyser

Hysata is commercialising an ultra-efficient capillary fed alkaline electrolyser to enable the lowest-cost green hydrogen production at scale. This breakthrough technology supports decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, chemicals and heavy transport. 
Hysata has also secured collaboration agreements with ACWA Power and POSCO Holdings, cementing its role in the global shift to green hydrogen.

In June 2026, Hysata announced their first binding MW-scale order with a global heavy-industry leader.

Sicona Battery Technologies: smarter lithium-ion batteries

Sicona develops next-generation silicon-carbon (SiCx®) anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, delivering 20%+ higher energy density and faster charging than conventional graphite. In 2025, Sicona secured a $15M strategic investment and global licensing agreement with Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd., alongside $1.6M in NSW Government funding to scale its graphene-based coolant technology that could reduce energy use in electric vehicles and data centres by over 50%.

In June 2026, Sicona announced they secured $45 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) with plans for a commercial-scale demonstration facility at Port Kembla.

Green Gravity: repurposing mines to store renewable energy

Green Gravity has developed innovative technology that repurposes disused mineshafts to store renewable energy. Their Gravitational Energy Storage System (GESS) converts gravitational energy into electricity, offering a cost-effective solution for long-duration renewable energy storage. Green Gravity, leverages Wollongong’s pipeline of skilled engineers, and UOW graduates to drive innovation and expansion.

Updates

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Whether you're a clean energy startup, infrastructure investor, or global energy player, Wollongong offers the scale, support, and strategic advantage to power your next move.

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