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NSW transmission plan the missing link for state clean energy projects

The clean energy industry says the New South Wales Government’s new Transmission Infrastructure Strategy provides much-needed political leadership which will ultimately lead to cheaper power and maximise access to the state’s exceptional clean energy resources.

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton said improved transmission would help to unlock new energy projects worth billions of dollars which are currently hindered by both network constraints and some regulatory obstacles such as the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission.

“The strategy should lead to more flexibility across the National Electricity Market (NEM), making power available at the lowest cost wherever it is most needed. The focus on servicing designated Energy Zones will ensure that new investment in poles and wires will be undertaken more efficiently to areas where significant clean energy resources are located,” Mr Thornton said.

Powerlines Sunset

“The renewable energy projects either underway or about to start in NSW add up to more than $4.2 billion and almost 2000 direct jobs. A carefully implemented transmission infrastructure strategy will ensure that these projects are just the beginning of a new wave of investment in renewable energy.

“Planning for transmission is a critical and often-overlooked part of the move to a 21st century energy system, and the New South Wales Government should be congratulated for making this a priority,” he said.

The New South Wales Government has released its Transmission Infrastructure Strategy, which aims to improve the flexibility of the National Electricity Market by improved connections with South Australia, Queensland and Victoria, given NSW’s integral location in the NEM.

Mr Thornton said NSW has some of the best energy resources in the world, from the Snowy Hydro project which was completed 50 years ago to the dozens of new wind, solar and storage projects that are now planned across the state.

Please contact Clean Energy Council Media Manager Mark Bretherton on 0413 556 981 for more information or to arrange an interview.