NSW seeks bidders to build state’s biggest renewable energy zone in New England

The New South Wales state government has officially begun seeking expressions of interest for a network operator for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), which could turn out to be the biggest in the state, despite local opposition led by federal MP Barnaby Joyce.

The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo), the statutory authority responsible for delivering the state’s renewable energy zones, says it is in the early stages of planning the New England REZ.

The REZ will be centred around Armidale and is in an area already close to existing transmission lines that connect to the state’s east coast, Upper Hunter region, and into Queensland.

It will be delivered over two stages and will provide a transfer capacity of 6GW – with 2.4GW by 2032 and 3.6GW by 2034 – which would make it the largest in the state by both capacity and scale.

EnergyCo says it is inviting official expressions of interest (EoI) for the REZ’s network operator, which will design, construct, finance, operate, and maintain the new transmission lines and associated infrastructure that will connect the REZ to NSW homes and businesses.

EnergyCo has invited 19 parties to proceed in this EoI phase, having sought registrations from interested parties earlier in the year. The EoI phase will close on June 25, with shortlisted applicants to be announced in the third quarter.

More information, including the 19 successful applicants, can be found here.

“This is a significant milestone not just for the New England REZ, but as part of the state’s plan to upgrade the grid and unlock NSW’s abundant solar and wind resources,” said Hannah McCaughey, EnergyCo CEO.

“We’re looking for a partner who shares our commitment to delivering the new renewable energy the people of New South Wales need, delivering benefits to regional businesses and communities, and in working effectively with the local community and landowners,” she said. 

“This is about building a reliable energy system with the right infrastructure in the right place at the right time so we can keep the lights on.” 

EnergyCo recently announced grid access rights to both the Central West Orana and the south west renewable energy zones, and has announced start of construction of the Hunter REZ as well.