Over 34 GW For NSW’s South-West REZ

The South-West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) of New South Wales (NSW) government is swamped with interest from developers as it attracted 49 registrations totaling over 34 GW renewable energy capacity which is ‘13 times the intended capacity’ of at least 2.5 GW.

This takes the total interest received for the 3 REZ’s launched by NSW to over 95 GW. Before South-West REZ, the NSW government received strong interest for 3 GW Central-West Orana with 27 GW capacity offered. For 8 GW strong New England REZ, the ROIs received a total of 34 GW. The latter REZ was recently officially declared (see New England REZ Formally ‘Declared’).

James Hay, Chief Executive of Energy Corporation (EnergyCo) of NSW, said the excellent response came for established and innovative technologies including wind, solar, battery and hydrogen projects, without divulging individual capacities for these resources. Information provided will enable it to ascertain the timing, capacity, design and location of the REZ.

The South-West REZ was chosen due to the abundance of high-quality wind and solar resources here, and its proximity to project EnergyConnect, relative land-use compatibility and existing strong investor interest, stated EnergyCo. The administration had invited registration of interest (ROI) for this zone in October 2021 (see South-West REZ Registration of Interest Opens).

“Timing, capacity, design and location of the new South-West REZ will be considered alongside ongoing consultation with local stakeholders through the South-West Regional Reference Group, project partners and local stakeholders including local councils and First Nations representatives,” said Hay.

This zone, like the other zones launched, South-West REZ will also take years to plan, design and build in phases.