The government of New South Wales in Australia has unveiled a A$79m plan to develop a renewable energy zone with the potential to host 8GW of new capacity.
The proposal will see strategic transmission upgrades in the area to bring multiple new generation projects online in the coming years.
The zone will be built in stages with a timeline to be nailed down during permitting.
It is the second such renewables zone in New South Wales.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the government was forging ahead with its plans to deliver new energy infrastructure that will lower electricity bills, create jobs and make regional NSW the home of renewable energy investment.
“The New England REZ is expected to attract $12.7 billion in investment, support 2000 construction jobs and 1300 ongoing jobs – all while lowering energy prices and future-proofing the regions,” Barilaro said.
“Regional NSW is the best place in Australia for renewable energy investment and the jobs it creates, and this funding allows us to unlock that potential.”
Energy Minister Matt Kean added the REZ was the biggest commitment to cheap, clean energy in the state’s history.
“The nine-fold level of interest in the Central-West Orana REZ was astounding, so it makes absolute sense to go even bigger with the New England REZ,” Kean said.