The New South Wales (NSW) state government has decided to call for 8 GW of renewable energy capacity for its second renewable energy zone (REZ). The New England REZ follows the call for 3 GW Central-West REZ for which it attracted 27 GW capacity. State Energy Minister Matt Kean called it the 'biggest commitment to cheap, clean energy in the state's history'.
To be developed for an investment of AUD 79 million ($55 million), the New England REZ is expected to attract AUD 12.7 billion ($9 million) in investment and creating 2,000 construction jobs and 1,300 ongoing jobs.
"The 9-fold level of interest in the Central-West Orana REZ was astounding, so it makes absolute sense to go even bigger with the New England REZ," said Kean. "The New England REZ will be able to power 3.5 million homes and, when coupled with Central-West Orana REZ, sets the state up to become the number one destination across Australia for renewable energy investment."
The New England REZ will be built in stages and delivery timetable will be developed throughout the detailed planning process. Along with Central-West and New England, South-West REZ makes up the 3 REZs the Australian state has planned for affordable energy generation.