The NSW Government announced its new plan to ensure a steady supply of clean and cost-effective renewable energy for the State.
The State Government has committed to a comprehensive energy transition for households, businesses, and communities following the Electricity Supply and Reliability Check Up conducted by Cameron O’Reilly from Marsden Jacob Associates.
“NSW is committed to meeting its net zero ambition and transforming our electricity system to renewables as soon as possible,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
“This report and the government’s response rescues the renewables mission and puts the transition back on track,” Premier Minns stated.
The audit includes 54 recommendations for keeping the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap on track. The State has accepted 50 recommendations, 44 in their entirety, three in part, and three that are either underway or completed.
“The check up by Cameron O’Reilly and his team is a clear-sighted assessment that has kicked the tires of energy policy in NSW,” Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said.
“It provides the practical and achievable next steps to rescue the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, and let NSW get on with it.”
According to the State Government, it will take action in three critical areas.
First, the Government has designated the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap as a strategic priority. This means that an all-government effort will be made to ensure that when coal-fired power is phased out, NSW households and businesses have enough renewable energy, transmission, and storage to replace it as soon as possible.
Second, a new Energy Security Target Monitor will aggressively review the plans of NSW’s remaining private coal-fired power stations as they approach retirement to assure long-term reliability at the lowest possible cost.
The check up concludes that NSW will have reliability concerns in the coming years. The State Government said it will work with Origin on its Eraring plans while exploring other options to provide the renewable generating, transmission, and storage solutions NSW requires.
“NSW has no time to waste as coal-fired power retires and needs to be replaced by renewable energy generation, transmission and storage,” Minister Sharpe stated.
Lastly, the NSW Government will expedite renewable energy approvals in the planning system while improving and coordinating community benefit sharing. It will enable new renewables to be connected to the existing grid outside Renewable Energy Zones. A Consumer Energy Strategy will be established to unlock the potential to adopt small-scale renewables like solar in the medium term while maintaining emphasis and momentum on large-scale project execution.
The State Government said it will also address the Renewable Energy Zones’ housing, transport, skills, workforce, and supply constraints.
EnergyCo will continue as the lead agency for delivering Renewable Energy Zones in NSW, with a revised governance framework and priorities to enhance its performance.
