Transmission lines to power the renewable energy zone

The New South Wales Government has welcomed Australia’s first approval for the construction of transmission infrastructure into a designated Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) following approval for the mid-west Orana project.

The area near Dubbo is also the first nationally declared renewable energy zone and is expected to attract around $20 billion in private investment.

It should provide at least 4.5 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power 1.8 million homes.

Large-scale solar, wind and energy storage projects will form part of the 20,000 square kilometer hub.

Energy Minister Penny Sharpe said the government would work closely with local communities, some of whom oppose the prospect of transmission lines running through farms and forests.

“This is the first REZ transmission project in the country to gain planning approval, paving the way for a significant increase in renewable energy generation to replace aging coal-fired power plants,” she said.

“It’s not just about clean energy, this project will deliver long-term financial benefits to both NSW electricity consumers and the local communities that will host the REZ.”

NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe says the energy zone will bring long-term benefits to consumers. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)

The project would be crucial to New South Wales meeting its net zero emissions commitments by 2050, the government said.

Official projections indicate that based on current greenhouse gas emission reduction measures, the country will not achieve its emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2035.

The approval follows calls for large transmission line projects to be built underground rather than on land, with supporters citing reduced bushfire risk and the potential to protect farms.

However, this suggestion was rejected due to increased costs and time consumption.

NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said landowners felt let down and left to fend for themselves by the government’s lack of consultation so far.

“There is still no clear picture of the cost of all this, and with the price of everything else going up, the government needs to clarify this issue,” he told AAP.

“The work will start in December and it is a very simple conversation. (Developer) ACEREZ needs to make sure it properly consults with landowners, which means literally going from property to property and informing them of the impacts.”