A major step forward for the New England Renewable Energy Zone in New South Wales

New South Wales is on its way to becoming a clean energy superpower with a project to transmit power to the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) that has been designated a Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI).

The declaration means that the project is considered essential to the state for economic, environmental or social reasons.

The electricity transmission project is a key energy project for New South Wales that will ensure the state’s energy security and provide clean and reliable electricity for future generations.

The declaration recognizes the critical role this project will play in ensuring light is available to businesses and communities across the state, as well as a key role in accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels.

The New England REZ is expected to generate $10.7 billion in private sector investment and create approximately 1,250 jobs in the region.

A scoping report for the transmission project is expected to be submitted to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure shortly. It will provide a detailed review of the project and potential impacts, which will require further analysis as part of an environmental impact report.

Attributed to EnergyCo CEO James Hay: “The New England Renewable Energy Zone is a key part of the implementation of the New South Wales Energy Infrastructure Roadmap as we invest in our state’s future.

“The declaration means that the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces will have to approve the project after extensive public consultation before it can go ahead.

“Regional communities are central to the NSW Government’s plans to transform our energy system. At EnergyCo, we are strengthening local relationships and improving engagement to ensure that we deliver more effectively to communities and local jobs.

“Everyone in New South Wales has a part to play in the energy transition, whether it’s through home batteries or rooftop solar panels, hosting renewable energy generation projects or the vital transmission infrastructure that connects and powers our grid.

“Transmission is the critical infrastructure that enables renewable energy to be delivered to the grid and to homes and businesses across the state.”