Planning, biodiversity and coordination reform options to facilitate renewable energy projects in NSW
Recommendations to accelerate clean energy in the state
The reforms needed to unblock renewable projects in NSW
The CEC and its members are deeply invested in the ongoing success and reliability of the NSW electricity sector and are excited to help realise the significant opportunities that renewable energy presents for the State, communities and industry. These opportunities are clearly reflected in the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, which is expected to attract up to $32 billion in private investment in renewable energy infrastructure to 2030, and support an estimated 6,300 construction jobs and 2,800 ongoing jobs, mostly in regional NSW, in 2030.
NSW's energy sector is at a critical delivery stage. With coal-fired power stations retiring on fixed timelines, the decisions made in the next few years on planning and biodiversity assessments for renewable energy projects will determine whether the state can replace that capacity in time and capitalise on this significant investment opportunity.
Our policy paper, Planning, Biodiversity and Coordination Reform Options to Facilitate Renewable Energy Projects in NSW, sets out 29 practical recommendations to help unlock the pipeline of renewable energy projects currently awaiting approval.
The paper was prepared with strategic and technical insights from Umwelt, a leading Australian environmental and social consulting firm and Clean Energy Council member.
The paper presents a range of practical reform opportunities the NSW Government could support to help deliver the State’s energy transition.
“These proposals are about aligning the regulatory system with the scale, pace and complexity of what is being asked of the renewable energy sector.”
Planning, biodiversity and coordination reform options to facilitate renewable energy projects in NSW
