Clean Energy Council welcomes NSW Liberals' support for Net Zero, and commitment to modernising the state's energy system

The NSW Liberals’ announcement maintains the bipartisan foundations they set while in government, including the state’s energy roadmap, which they introduced to guide the orderly replacement of the coal fleet, and the Net Zero target first adopted under their leadership in 2016. Their position announced this week keeps faith with that legacy and reinforces the long-term certainty investors and communities rely upon.

Clean Energy Council CEO Jackie Trad said bipartisan support for Net Zero is essential to keeping the state’s energy system affordable, reliable and secure, which will ultimately rely on the State’s roadmap to deliver it.

“The NSW Liberals’ position announced this week is an important signal that New South Wales can maintain a stable, bipartisan pathway to Net Zero. Their acknowledgment that our ageing coal fleet must be replaced with cleaner, cheaper and more reliable generation is both responsible and necessary,” Ms Trad said.

Ms Trad said the state was entering a decisive period as coal-fired power stations approach retirement and demand continues to grow with electrification, population increases and new industries.

“Replacing ageing coal with firmed renewables is the lowest-cost way to keep the lights on, cut emissions and ensure households and businesses aren’t hit with higher bills,” Ms Trad said.

“The worst outcome for NSW would be uncertainty or delay. A clear commitment to modernising the state’s electricity system maintains investor confidence, accelerates new supply and reduces the risk of outages as old generators retire,” she said.

The Clean Energy Council looks forward to working with the NSW Liberal Party, the Minns Government, regional communities and industry partners to deliver the new generation, storage and transmission the state urgently needs.