New South Wales’s Largest Renewable Energy Tender

New South Wales has launched its largest renewable energy tender under the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, with AusEnergy Service Limited (ASL) opening Tender 8 for 2.5 GW of new generation capacity and Tender 9 for 12 GWh of long-duration storage. 

Tender 8 is the largest Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) generation tender conducted under the roadmap, according to the state government. 

The tender is expected to support a mix of technologies, including wind, solar, and hybrid generation projects that combine renewable energy with battery storage.  

For this tender round, NSW is also introducing the new Hybrid Generation LTESA to support co-located renewable generation and storage projects. Eligible projects must have a generation capacity equal to or greater than storage capacity, and provide at least 4 hours of storage duration. 

NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe described Tender 8 as ‘the largest renewable generation tender in NSW history’, adding that it would deliver enough energy to power about 1/3rd of homes in the state. Sharpe added that the tenders are intended to improve energy reliability as coal-fired power stations retire while also helping place downward pressure on electricity prices. 

Generation tenders had been paused over the past 2 years while projects in NSW participated in the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS). With the NSW allocation under the scheme expected to be met under the current CIS Tender 7, ASL said the latest tender marks a return to roadmap support for new generation infrastructure (see Australia Seeks 5 GW RE Capacity Under CIS Tender 7).  

Tender 9 for Long-Duration Storage 

Alongside the generation tender, ASL has also launched Tender 9 for long-duration storage projects capable of dispatching electricity for at least 8 hours. Winning projects will be required to come online by either 2030 or 2034.  

Tender 9 forms part of the state’s broader plan to secure 42 GWh of long-duration storage capacity by 2034, with 2 major annual storage tenders planned for Q2 2026 and Q2 2027. 

ASL said the tenders include flexibility to award contracts above or below the indicative targets if it is in the long-term financial interests of consumers. The final volume awarded will depend on the competitiveness of the bids and value for money. 

ASL CEO Nevenka Codevelle said the focus is on projects that can secure financing and move into construction. “Our investment priorities are clear, and high-value projects such as wind and solar-hybrids are strongly encouraged to come forth and participate.”

Registration for Tender 8 and Tender 9 opened on May 20, 2026, with the last date for bid submission set for July 6, 2026. Successful projects are expected to be announced by late 2026. 

NSW plans to develop 16 GW of new renewable energy capacity by 2030, along with 42 GWh of long-duration storage infrastructure by 2034 (see NSW Targets 16 GW Renewable Energy By 2030 In New Plan).