Going green: NSW renewable project met with huge proposals
The New South Wales Government has received proposals for 34GW worth of wind and solar energy projects after it asked for expressions of interest from companies looking to be a part of the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
The New England REZ, based in Armidale, is one of at least five renewable energy zones planned by the state government as it looks to replace a large number of coal plants expected to retire in the next decade.
The government announced the massive response to the project in the state’s north, which is only planned to handle 8GWs capacity. With proposals totalling more than four-times the capacity that NSW wanted to fill, energy minister Angus Taylor said the response proved that “this is a once in a generation opportunity to attract enormous investment into regional areas, cementing NSW’s renewable energy future.”
There were more than 80 expressions of interest for projects in the New England REZ with investments likely to top $10 billion.
The first formal auctions of capacity and positions in the state’s various renewable energy zones will begin in 2022.
More renewables on grid means more renewables in home
With the vast majority of projects across the REZs likely to generate, store and supply energy for grids across the state, those in New South Wales will see their homes progressively being powered by more clean energy sources.
Finding out exactly how much of your energy comes from renewable sources is almost impossible unless you’re producing your own solar, but there are a number of ways you can support the clean energy transition from the comfort of your own home.
We recently put together a guide on some household options for supporting renewable energy, including GreenPower plans, carbon-offset options as well as covering how solar panels can save you money on your electricity bill.
If you’ve got questions about green energy, head over to our renewable energy FAQs. To find and compare providers and plans in your area, head over to our energy hub or use the handy comparison tool below.
