The New South Wales government has announced the opening of access schemes for solar, wind, and battery projects in two Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) in the state.
These schemes will provide new opportunities for projects to connect to the energy grid, offering greater certainty to investors and energy projects while coordinating and accelerating the delivery of renewable energy in NSW.
In a first for NSW, applications for access rights have opened for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone near Dubbo.
The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) will allocate initial rights to expedite the delivery of new renewable energy to households and businesses.
Additionally, an access scheme has been declared for the South West Renewable Energy Zone near Hay.
Projects in this zone will be able to bid for access rights as part of a tender run by AEMO Services commencing in Q2 2024.
Under these schemes, solar, wind, and battery projects that gain access rights will pay a fee, with a portion going towards providing community and employment benefits in the respective REZs.
This initiative aims to ensure benefits flow to host communities before the construction of new transmission and renewable generation projects commences.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe highlighted the significance of these access schemes in delivering the Renewable Energy Zones that will power NSW into the future.
She emphasised that access schemes for these zones will reduce bills for energy consumers, improve planning outcomes for host communities, and deliver new local, secure jobs.
Renewable Energy Zones combine new renewable energy projects, storage, and high-voltage transmission lines to connect to the electricity grid.
NSW has five declared REZs, including Central-West Orana, South West, Hunter-Central Coast, New England, and Illawarra, all known for their excellent renewable energy resources.
The consultation period for these access schemes remains open until 31 May 2024.
More information, including consultation papers, webinar dates, and submission portals, can be found on the ARENA website.
