The NSW Government has committed to develop five Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) in the state, beginning with a pilot Central-West Orana REZ, before additional zones are added in the South-West, New England, Illawarra and Hunter-Central Coast regions.
The REZs are intended to encourage investment in renewable generation and storage projects. These will need to be supported by transmission upgrades, which the NSW Government expects to support in line with the 2018 NSW Transmission Infrastructure Strategy.
The NSW Government estimates that the REZs could foster up to $20.7 billion in investment in the five regions. This estimated investment is not reflected in ANZIP's forward pipeline. Individual investments within the REZs will be tracked through ANZIP as they are planned, developed and delivered.
Key Dates
Nov 2020 | Project Announcement |
2022 | Expected commencement of first auction for REZ projects |
Funding contributions
NSW Government | |
The NSW Government's contribution is to develop the REZ, including the establishment of the Energy Corporation of NSW, which will coordinate development of the REZ. The 2021-22 NSW Budget allocated a total of $380 million to deliver the roadmap, including $164 million over four years for capital works. |
PROJECT HISTORY
Nov 2020 | The NSW Government released its Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, outlining the steps required to support the transition of the electricity system to a much higher level of renewable generation. The Roadmap highlights the need to coordinate investment into generation, transmission and storage infrastructure in NSW over the next 20 years as coal-fired power stations reach their scheduled retirement. |
Jun 2021 | The 2021-22 NSW Budget allocated a total of $380 million to deliver the roadmap, including $164 million over four years for capital works. |
Nov 2021 | The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) was appointed the regulator of the NSW Renewable Energy Zones under the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020 (NSW). The AER will be required to make five-year revenue determinations for network infrastructure projects authorised by the independent Consumer Trustee for each REZ. |
Jun 2022 | Registrations of Interest for renewable generation and storage projects in the Illawarra REZ opened, closing 22 July. Separately, the NSW Government called for Expressions of Interest for Commercial Advisory Services for the project, closing 17 June. |
Sep 2023 | EnergyCo and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the delivery of upgrades to the NSW road network to support anticipated transport requirements during the construction of Renewable Energy Zones. |