A key site for the future of Australia’s energy systems is looking for some upgrades.

The Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources has submitted its $6.5 million development application to the Joint Regional Planning Panel.

The centre says it is at the forefront of investigations into issues of clear national significance, as the increase in gas-field protestor numbers is beaten only by the rise the price of electricity.

The Newcastle Institute is seeking an expansion to house new staff and research facilities, such as the $30 million coal methane abatement project recently announced for the region.

Institute director Alan Broadfoot has told the ABC that if the funding is approved, then the site would have an even better view of the changing state of power supplies.

“We have many challenges in our economy, as well as in the Hunter, in terms of meeting energy demands, and also about competitiveness in our manufacturing and also our mining industries,” he said.

“This is about providing new, large scale projects that can deliver results in those areas.

“We're looking at large research programs which are of national importance, and to reflect that we need the extra infrastructure, and the extra buildings are a sign of our success.

“It will be for housing additional research staff that will have to be employed by the university to support these large scale projects.”