Joint media release with Senator for New South Wales Hollie Hughes

A major investment from the Australian Government will help heavy industry significantly reduce emissions and will lead to substantial cuts in the amount of nitrous oxide released from the production of ammonium nitrate.

The Morrison Government, through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), is committing $25 million to the project led by Orica. The project seeks to upgrade Orica’s processing plants at its Kooragang Island facility near Newcastle in New South Wales to abate emissions of nitrous oxide - a greenhouse gas that is 265 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

The New South Wales Government is also investing $13 million in the Orica project through its Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program.

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Orica project would eliminate more than 567,000 tonnes per annum of CO2-e - a significant reduction. 

“This investment by the Government will be one of the largest single abatement project to be financed by the CEFC,” Minister Taylor said.

“The funding will help Orica upgrade three plants at its Kooragang Island facility near Newcastle and is a great example of how governments and industry can work together to reduce emissions and grow industries in our regional communities.

“The Government is committed to supporting hard-to-abate industries, like manufacturing and mining, through our Technology Investment Roadmap which will see technological solutions pave the way for growth in our industries while reducing emissions.”

Senator for New South Wales Hollie Hughes said the project would help one of NSW’s largest industrial sites to halve its emissions while protecting jobs and production and improving air quality in the area.

“This investment underlines the Government’s commitment to create jobs and support economic growth while using technology to help curb greenhouse emissions, which will be key in regions like the Hunter,” Senator Hughes said.

“The joint investment will generate further economic activity in New South Wales, while ensuring Orica’s activities remain competitive.”

Installation of the new abatement technology is expected to start in October 2022 and will take three months to complete.

Orica is a leading Australian manufacturer and the world’s largest provider of commercial explosives and blasting systems to the mining and infrastructure sectors.

Media contact:

Minister Taylor's office 02 6277 7120