NSW transmission build critical to delivering low-cost, clean energy

The work to date by the NSW Government has resulted in the state becoming a leading light in Australia's clean energy transformation with the development of the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, Transmission Acceleration Facility and Renewable Energy Zones. This, in turn, has made NSW an attractive location for private investors in renewable energy.While the Minns Government has admitted that existing plans are delayed, the sooner this can be overcome, the sooner clean, low-cost renewable energy can be delivered to customers.Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton said delays in transmission development were hindering the transition to net-zero and driving up power prices.“These delays mean that right now, there is a greater reliance on unreliable fossil fuel generation and therefore higher costs than necessary.“Bringing forward the transmission build helps to mitigate the effects of an earlier than expected coal exit.“Time is of the essence. The NSW plan sets out a clear pathway for transmission investment that takes account a range of future outcomes, helping to provide NSW energy customers with insurance against these effects and helping to accelerate the clean energy transition. Building a clean energy transition of such scale isn’t easy, but clear and deliberate planning, like that released by Minister Sharpe today, is a critical piece of the roadmap.”