Clean Energy Investor Group (CEIG) warns the NSW Government that a swift transition to a renewable energy grid and meeting its targets could be hindered unless significant planning reforms are implemented.
The draft planning framework, which was submitted to stakeholders, necessitates substantial modifications to attract investors and enable NSW to achieve its renewable energy goals.
In December, CEIG collaborated with international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills to conduct an assessment of the NSW planning approvals process in order to inform the Delivering Major Clean Energy Projects report.
The report reveals that NSW’s renewable energy projects’ approval times are significantly lagging behind other Australian jurisdictions, causing a delay in achieving a 70% emission reduction by 2035.
CEIG CEO Simon Corbell said the Draft Guidelines lack a expedited assessment process for clean energy and transmission projects, resulting in reduced costs and increased investor certainty in NSW.
“The very real risk is that investors will look elsewhere and NSW won’t meet its emission reduction targets. CEIG recognises this is due to the 10 years of inaction on the part of the previous NSW government, nevertheless it is a critical issue that now needs to be addressed,” Corbell stated.
According to him, the State Government can expedite major clean energy projects by utilising the existing infrastructure declaration process and streamlining the development application process.
“We can have our cake and eat it too renewables — good quality consultation, robust approvals process and meeting our clean energy targets are all within our grasp.” he added.
“Investors want it, voters want it and the planet simply cannot wait for unnecessary bureaucratic red tape to be taken our of the equation.”
