The Albanese and Minns Governments have announced a joint $171 million investment to accelerate Australia’s clean energy manufacturing capabilities, supporting the development of a major solar manufacturing facility in the Hunter Region.
The funding, delivered through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), will support the Hunter Valley Solar Foundry, a project led by Sunman Group, founded by solar pioneer Zhengrong Shi of UNSW. The initiative forms part of the federal government’s $1 billion Solar Sunshot Program aimed at expanding domestic solar module production.
The new facility will manufacture Sunman’s lightweight Solar eArc modules and aims to produce glass solar panels using local materials and suppliers. The plant will also provide production capacity to other Australian manufacturers, strengthening the national renewable energy supply chain.
According to government estimates, the project will generate around 200 construction jobs and over 100 ongoing roles once operational, positioning the Hunter Region as a central hub for clean energy manufacturing.
To support workforce development, the project partners are exploring an advanced manufacturing training program with TAFE NSW, along with a First Nations recruitment strategy and a scholarship initiative for careers in renewable energy.
Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the investment will help convert Australian solar innovation into industrial capability, boosting local jobs and strengthening supply chain resilience. NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley highlighted the economic impact for the region, noting that the project demonstrates the benefits of targeted government support for clean energy industries.
NSW Minister for Domestic Manufacturing Courtney Houssos added that the initiative reinforces Australia’s commitment to powering its net-zero future with local technology and skilled workers.
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