After the draft declaration of the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) was released, the Illawarra is poised to become a leader in renewable energy and clean manufacturing.
The NSW Government announced the establishment of five massive REZs throughout the State, making NSW the lead in the transformation of Australia’s energy system.
According to the State Government, the construction of REZs under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap is vital to delivering cheap, dependable, and clean electricity to NSW homes and businesses as coal-fired power plants close over the next 10 to 15 years.
Energy Minister Matt Kean stated that the Illawarra REZ draft declaration establishes additional transmission network capacity as well as the geographical area that will comprise the Illawarra REZ.
“The Illawarra is well placed to become a renewable energy powerhouse, thanks to its existing energy, port and transport infrastructure, its highly skilled workforce and strong demand from existing industries to decarbonise,” Minister Kean said.
Minister Kean added that the Illawarra REZ registration of interest received a significant response, with 44 renewable production and storage projects registering, representing more than 17 gigatonnes of new projects with a potential investment of $43 billion.
Peter Poulos, Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and the Illawarra, stated that once the REZ is formally established, the next phase of development will commence, which will include working closely with the local community, industry, governments, and other stakeholders.
“This REZ will ensure the Illawarra plays a central role in our renewable energy future, powering existing and emerging industries, including in offshore wind, green hydrogen and green steel production,” Poulos said.
The draft declaration is currently available for public viewing for six weeks, until mid-February 2023.
 was released, the Illawarra is poised to become a leader in renewable energy and clean manufacturing.){kind=link}