Renewable Energy Initiatives Gain Priority Status
The NSW Government has designated six renewable energy projects as Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI). These projects hold immense potential for the state’s economy and energy security.
Boosting Energy Security and Supply
If approved, these projects will ensure continuous energy supply during peak-demand periods, especially as coal-fired sources phase out. The CSSI designation signifies the projects’ essential economic, social, and environmental value, with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces as the consent authority.
Despite the CSSI status, a thorough all-of-government assessment, including public submissions, remains mandatory.
Key Projects and Their Impact
The proposed projects consist of three transmission projects and three pumped hydro projects. The transmission projects will integrate additional renewable energy generators into the National Energy Market, fostering further investment in NSW. Meanwhile, the pumped hydro projects will provide reliable energy generation and storage when solar or wind resources are unavailable.
The six CSSI projects are:
- New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Transmission: Infrastructure to connect renewable energy generation and storage projects within the New England REZ to the existing network.
- Victoria NSW Interconnector: Infrastructure to connect the HumeLink Project in NSW with the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project.
- Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission: Strengthening connections between renewable energy generation areas in the Central West Orana REZ and major demand centers.
- Stratford Pumped Hydro and Solar: Utilizing existing mine voids and infrastructure from the Stratford Mining Complex, slated for closure in 2024.
- Muswellbrook Pumped Hydro: Using an existing mine void at the closed Muswellbrook Coal Mine site as the lower reservoir, with an upper reservoir at Bells Mountain.
- Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro: Leveraging infrastructure associated with the Mount Piper Power Station, scheduled for decommissioning in 2040.
Following the CSSI declaration, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) will issue Environmental Assessment Requirements, enabling the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for community feedback.
Progress and Future Prospects
Since 2023, the Minns Government has approved 24 renewable energy State Significant Development assessments, collectively capable of powering 1.5 million homes. Currently, up to 30 renewable energy projects are under assessment, with a potential output of 12.1 GW, enough to power 5.6 million homes. Additionally, 87 projects, including solar, wind, battery storage, and pumped hydro, are in various planning stages.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully emphasized the significance of these projects: “I have declared these six important projects as Critical State Significant Infrastructure due to their importance to the NSW economy, society, and the environment. The increase in renewable energy proposals indicates industry trust in our Government’s planning system. These projects will undergo comprehensive assessment, including public exhibition and community submissions.”
Looking Ahead
The CSSI designation of these six projects marks a pivotal step towards securing NSW’s clean energy future. With significant investments in solar technology, energy storage, and lithium batteries, the state is poised to lead in the renewable energy market, driving sustainable development and green energy policies.
Source：miragenews.com
