The New South Wales Government has announced a $79 million plan to develop a second, massive 8,000 MW Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in New England, eventually providing enough power for more than three million homes.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the massive 8000 MW New England REZ was the biggest commitment to cheap, clean energy in the state’s history.
“The nine-fold level of interest in the Central-West Orana REZ was astounding, so it makes absolute sense to go even bigger with the New England REZ,” Mr Kean said.
“When coupled with Central-West Orana REZ, [it] sets the state up to become the number one destination across Australia for renewable energy investment.”
REZs involve making strategic transmission upgrades to bring multiple new generators online in areas with strong renewable resources and community support.
The New England REZ is the second Renewable Energy Zone planned for NSW and will be built in stages, with the delivery timetable to be developed throughout the detailed planning process.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the REZ represented an excellent opportunity for the region to create jobs, diversify its local economy and improve local roads and telecommunications infrastructure.
The New England REZ is expected to attract $12.7 billion in investment, support 2000 construction jobs and 1300 ongoing jobs.
“Our region is fast becoming the renewables capital of NSW and we’re home to some of the best renewable energy resources in the country, with flagship wind and solar projects at Glen Innes and Armidale living proof of this potential,” Mr Marshall said.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific Campaigner, Elizabeth Sullivan said the speed and scale of leadership initiatives like this from state governments and investors demonstrates the importance of a clean recovery to both the environment and the economy.
“The potential gains are almost limitless, particularly at a time when business needs certainty more than ever.”
The news has been welcomed by locals in Narribri, where a massive gasfield that would see almost a thousand coal seam gas wells drilled has been met with strident opposition.
