The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) has declared the State’s Central-West Orana region Australia’s first-ever Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
Announced by the Minister for Energy, Matt Kean, the region, located in the heart of NSW, is the second-largest in the State and consists of 19 local government areas.
“REZs are modern-day power stations which bring together low-cost solar and wind generation with transmission and storage to produce cheap, clean and reliable electricity,” Mr Kean said.
“This is a great win for the Central West as the REZ will help drought-proof traditional farming communities, as well as provide new income streams for landholders that host electricity infrastructure,” he said.
“Once complete, this REZ will provide at least 3000 megawatts of cheap, reliable electricity, enough to power 1.4 million homes.”
Mr Kean said the Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo NSW) would be appointed as the infrastructure planner and would coordinate the transmission, generation, firming and storage projects.
“As Infrastructure Planner, EnergyCo NSW will assess and recommend REZ network infrastructure projects that best suit each community’s needs,” he said.
“Working with a range of stakeholders, it will prepare the declaration in a way that considers local priorities and values, land use planning, investor interest and the legislative requirements.”
Mr Kean said the Central-West Orana REZ included the areas of Dubbo, Narromine, Wellington, Dunedoo, Gulgong, Mudgee, Cassilis, Coolah, Mendooran, Mumbil, Eumungerie and Gilgrandra.
A map of the Central-West Orana REZ can be accessed on Energy NSW’s website at this PS News link.
