The Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) project in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has received planning approval for building an energy system.
The NSW Government is expediting the development of the state’s inaugural REZ that enhances grid infrastructure such as distribution poles and wires.
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The network enhancements, designed to provide 1GW of transfer capacity, involve improvements to current distribution lines and the establishment of two new substations.
During construction, the REZ is expected to generate around 590 direct jobs in the local area, with roles for engineers, electricians, and labourers.
The zone extends from the Upper Hunter region in the north down to the Central Coast in the south, including areas such as Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Port Stephens.
Five zones have been identified, each designed to support a reliable supply of electricity as coal-fired power stations are phased out.
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By GlobalDataInitiatives such as the Hunter-Central Coast REZ are expected to play a crucial role in the energy strategy of NSW.
As of now, approximately 36% of the electricity in NSW is generated from renewable energy sources.
According to the state, the projects backed by it are on track to achieve over two-thirds of its 2030 renewable energy generation goal and approximately 40% of its 2030 long-duration storage target.
Full planning approval was obtained after the exhibition of the Review of Environmental Factors and an assessment of feedback from councils, state authorities, businesses, and individuals.
NSW Minister for Energy and Climate Change Penny Sharpe said: “Planning approval for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone project is further evidence of progress on a key upgrade that will help keep the lights on as coal-fired power plants retire.
“Upgrading existing distribution poles and wires allows us to minimise the impact on communities and the environment, and speeds up the delivery of this critical infrastructure.”
Ausgrid, an electricity distribution company that was chosen last year as the preferred network operator of the zone, plans to address feedback on jobs, business support, visual impact, community benefits, traffic, and engagement from the Review of Environmental Factors.
The company plans to prioritise job training, local procurement, and indigenous business involvement.
The project is awaiting final approvals from the Australian Energy Regulator.
