Renewables manufacturing hub slated for Western Sydney

The NSW Government is investing $28 million to build a renewables manufacturing hub in Western Sydney. Expected to employ 143 full-time workers over its lifetime, the Blacktown facility will produce equipment for the wind sector, solar farms and transmission infrastructure.

“The Minns Labor government is driving new jobs and this new renewables manufacturing hub is a perfect example of the way NSW is building the industries of the future right here at home,” said Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe.

“This facility will not only deliver the steel components needed for renewable energy projects across the state, but it will also strengthen Western Sydney’s role as a powerhouse of innovation and manufacturing.”

In addition to the government’s $28 million grant to Australian-owned company Sell & Parker to operate the hub, $38 million will be co-invested by Sell & Parker, bringing the total investment to $66 million.

Sell & Parker has a 60-year history in the steel industry and a strong track record in recycling and steel manufacturing, with an existing facility in Smithfield.

“Fast-tracking our build of steel turbine anchors, solar trackers components and transmission monopoles means we can supply more renewable projects with Aussie steel made right here in Western Sydney,” said Simon Preston, Sell & Parker’s Group General Manager.

The hub aims to manufacture 780 wind turbine anchors, along with thousands of torque tubes, mounts and brackets for solar farms, and 200 monopoles per year for transmission infrastructure. Once complete, it will produce 46,000 tonnes of competitively priced steel a year, the government said.

The government’s investment is intended to strengthen NSW’s domestic industrial capability by backing local manufacturing and supporting homegrown innovation and jobs.

The funding was awarded under the Renewable Manufacturing Construction Ready Stream of the NSW Government’s $480 million Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, designed to help local businesses scale up to meet the demand for renewable energy components and low-carbon products.

“This $28 million investment is fantastic news for Blacktown and another step on our path to net zero emissions by 2050,” said Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali.

“It means more jobs, more opportunities for our local workforce, and a stronger role for Western Sydney in building the renewable energy future.”

Image credit: iStock.com/nimis69