Today the Australian Government has unveiled a plan to work with the NSW Government and Tomago Aluminium to keep the smelter open beyond 2028.
This joint effort secures thousands of jobs at Tomago and across the Hunter, and positions Australia as a global leader in aluminium produced using renewable energy.
Over the coming months, Tomago Aluminium will work with the Federal and NSW Governments on a long-term renewable energy solution to support the smelter’s viability when its current energy contract expires in 2028.
The partnership aims to deliver a long-term, fixed-price power purchasing agreement for the smelter, along with concessional finance arrangements to accelerate renewable energy generation and storage developments in NSW.
As part of a successful agreement Tomago Aluminium will contribute at least $1 billion in capital and major maintenance investment over the next decade, which includes identifying further decarbonisation opportunities for the smelter.
This represents a significant milestone towards securing the smelter’s ongoing operations.
The Commonwealth Government, NSW Government and Tomago Aluminium are working together to secure more reliable, renewable energy supply for heavy industry in the Hunter region.
The Coalition’s “wasted decade” of energy policies saw 24 of the nation’s 28 coal‑fired power stations announce closures without a plan to replace this energy generation – scaring off investment in regional industries.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese
“We want to ensure that Tomago continues to forge Australia’s prosperity, and it continues to create and sustain good, skilled jobs.
“I want to thank the workers and the Hunter community who have faced uncertainty in recent weeks.
“My government is working together with the NSW State Government and Tomago Aluminium on a new energy agreement that will secure the future of the facility.
“Tomago has a proud place in Australia’s history – and we will ensure it has a central place in Australia’s future”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Minister for Science, Tim Ayres
“Tomago Aluminium is a vital facility for the Hunter region, Australia’s aluminium value chain and Australia’s national interest.
“We want the Tomago workers to have as much certainty as possible – and I want to reassure the community that every lever in government is being looked at to secure industry in the Hunter.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen
“Tomago Aluminium has made it clear: to remain competitive and secure its future the smelter needs a reliable and affordable supply of renewable energy, with ageing coal-fired power options being prohibitively expensive.
“While the coalition fight themselves, we’re fighting for the regions and bringing more renewables online faster – so we can deliver the modern and affordable energy grid Australian’s deserve and industry needs."
Quotes attributable the Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson
“This is about our workers, their families, and our local businesses.
“We’ve worked very hard with our Labor colleagues to find a practical solution using renewable energy.
“I stand with my community and with local manufacturing right here in the Hunter region.”