The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon Yasmin Catley MLC, NSW Minister for the Hunter
The Hon Courtney Housso MLC, NSW Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement
The Albanese and Minns Governments are backing Australia's clean energy manufacturing future with a $171 million investment to boost local solar manufacturing and create good jobs in the Hunter Region.
An Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) grant will help the Hunter Valley Solar Foundry project, an initiative of the Sunman Group, to build a solar manufacturing facility in the Hunter Valley under the $1 billion Solar eArc) modules for local and export markets. Sunman's Zhengrong Shi, the founder of Sunman and one of Australia's pioneering industrialists from UNSW who helped take Australia's game-changing solar technology to the world.
The facility also aims to produce glass solar modules, utilising local materials and suppliers, and provide production capability to other manufacturers.
This investment will help build Australia's solar manufacturing capability, cut supply-chain vulnerabilities and keep more clean-energy value on shore.
The project is expected to deliver around 200 construction jobs and more than 100 ongoing positions once the plant is at full capacity - helping put the Hunter at the centre of Australia's clean energy manufacturing future.
An advanced manufacturing training program is being explored in collaboration with TAFE NSW to build a skilled local workforce, alongside a First Nations recruitment strategy and scholarship program to support renewable energy careers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
"When it comes to powering Australia's future, nothing beats our sun and our solar know-how. That's why bringing more solar manufacturing to our shores is so critical for unlocking our future as a renewable-energy superpower and securing the jobs of the future.
"By backing this project in the Hunter, we're helping turn Australian innovation into industrial strength - creating good local jobs, strengthening our supply chains and building a Future Made in Australia."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:
"This is a fantastic boost for the Hunter, creating more than 300 local jobs and cementing our region's place at the heart of Australia's clean-energy future.
"Investing in renewable manufacturing here in the Hunter means more opportunities for local workers, stronger regional industries and keeping more of the clean-energy supply chain right here in New South Wales.
"This project shows exactly what can be achieved when governments back innovation and back the Hunter. Good jobs, new skills and long-term economic growth for our communities."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, Courtney Houssos:
"By backing local solar manufacturing in the Hunter, we're strengthening Australia's industrial base and ensuring that net zero is powered by local innovation and local workers.
"This is a win for the Hunter and a win for manufacturing in NSW. Projects like this show how strategic investment can deliver long-term benefits for jobs, skills and our clean energy future."
