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Australia’s NSW Declares 5th Renewable Energy Zone

New South Wales Takes Call On Final REZ; Issues Declaration For Illawarra REZ Giving Certainty To Its Development by EnergyCo

Anu Bhambhani
  • NSW has declared the 5th and the final of its 5 REZs, the Illawarra REZ to be implemented by EnergyCo
  • It has secured registrations for 17 GW of power generation capacity along with other projects representing $43 billion investment
  • Government sees this new zone as leading to the creation of more than 8,300 jobs as existing industries look towards clean energy to decarbonize themselves

The State Government of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia has issued declaration for Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the last of its 5 renewable energy zones (REZ) announced to promote clean energy in the region, lending certainty for its development by Infrastructure Planner EnergyCo.

In response to its registration of interest (ROI) round, Illawarra REZ received interest for 17 GW worth of power generation capacity comprising 10 wind, 5 solar energy projects along with energy storage facilities, out of 44 projects that represent an investment worth $43 billion (see Illawarra REZ Receives 17 GW Worth Project Proposals).

The Illawarra REZ will run down the coastline from Wollongong to Shellharbour and around to Dapto covering Port Kembla, Dapto Substation and Tallawarra Power Station. Proximity to these existing energy, port and transport infrastructure and strong demand from existing industries to decarbonize will work in its favor, pointed out the government.

"The Illawarra has a proud history of manufacturing and the REZ will only build on this legacy, powering existing and emerging industries such as offshore wind, green hydrogen and green steel production," said NSW Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean.

He added that the projects registered for this zone have the potential to generate over 8,300 jobs 'not including the huge employment potential of offshore wind'.

With the official declaration, EnergyCo will now start the process of Illawarra REZ's development, including its network infrastructure and engaging with all stakeholders. More information about the Illawarra REZ is available on EnergyCo's website.

The state government has already declared other 4 REZ starting with Central West, New England, South West and Hunter-Central Coast (see Australia's NSW Declares 4th Renewable Energy Zone).