The NSW state Government is on track to deliver enough renewable energy to power more than 1.5 million homes, following multiple NSW Government approvals of wind and solar projects in 2023.
Throughout 2023, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) finalised 18 renewable energy State Significant Development (SSD) assessments including three wind farms, six solar farms and nine large-scale batteries.
Of these, 13 were approved by the Department and five were referred to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for determination, four of which the Commission has now approved, and one is still in progress.
The approved projects will generate more than 3,000 jobs during construction and operation, providing a vital economic boost to regional communities.
Minister for climate change and energy Penny Sharpe said, “NSW is now about halfway towards our 2030 renewable generation target, and over a quarter of the way there on our long-duration storage target.”
The recent approvals include the Yanco Delta wind farm in the state’s Riverina region. At 1.5 gigawatts, it is set to be the biggest wind farm in Australia.
The projects have the combined capacity to generate and store 7.6 gigawatts of renewable energy. This could save an estimated 8.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year and play an essential role in energy security.
“Across government, we will continue to drive the decarbonisation of our energy grid, setting NSW up with clean, reliable energy in the future,” said Sharpe.
A further 29 renewable energy projects are in the planning process. Another 70 new projects are about to be submitted for department approval.
Miniter for planning and public soaces Paul Scully said, “These projects help deliver clean and affordable energy to NSW residents while injecting millions of dollars into regional economies and creating hundreds of new jobs.
The NSW Government recently completed the exhibition stage on the draft Energy Policy Framework, which includes new guidelines for wind energy development, transmission infrastructure, and benefit sharing, aiming to streamline approvals and provide clarity for both host communities and developers.
The guidelines will be finalised later this year.
