Tomago power deal an important milestone for Hunter’s industrial future

For immediate release 13 August 2026

Beyond Zero Emissions welcomes today's announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns of a long-term renewable power purchase agreement securing Tomago Aluminium's future beyond 2028, saying it is a major win for the Hunter and Australian manufacturing.

The agreement is expected to keep Australia's largest aluminium smelter operating beyond 2028, retaining strategically important manufacturing capability in the Hunter as the region transitions to renewable energy. 

BZE CEO Heidi Lee said that securing one of Australia's most important manufacturing assets was an important milestone, and the deal creates a strong foundation upon which other government and private investment can be coordinated.

"Tomago is exactly the kind of industrial capability Australia should be fighting to keep. With the smelter secured, we can now continue to strengthen the Hunter's industrial supply chains and create the conditions for the next generation of industries to grow here." she said.

Ms Lee said deals like this shouldn't need to be one-offs.

"Our research has consistently shown the Hunter has the industrial base and the ambition to lead this transition. The opportunity now is to build from this investment: accelerating the energy and infrastructure the region needs, crowding in private investment and helping new industries grow alongside the ones already here." she said.

Ms Lee said this was the place-based approach BZE had been putting directly to the government.

“Since 2021, we've made the case that industrial transition needs to be approached regionally, not company by company. Government investment, infrastructure and policy settings need to work together in the places where the transition is actually happening.

“Tomago can be an anchor for the next generation of clean industry in the Hunter, just as major energy assets have anchored the region's industrial economy in the past. There is an opportunity to align the substantial investments governments are already making across the region, so that they reinforce each other and help new industries scale.”

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Contact:

Heidi Lee 

CEO, Beyond Zero Emissions

0418 258 081 or heidi.lee@bze.org.au