Key details

We're working with the energy industry and other parts of government to upgrade NSW’s grid and deliver the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. 

As infrastructure planner under the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020 (EII Act), we coordinate investment so the right infrastructure is built in the right place at the right time, supporting a reliable, affordable and clean energy system for NSW.

The Roadmap will give industry and investors the certainty they need to invest in the infrastructure we need to bring long-term energy affordability and reliability for everyone, with more than $77 billion of private sector investment to be injected into the NSW economy by 2035.

Learn more about the Roadmap
Central-West Orana REZ Transmission Project - construction

How we work with industry

EnergyCo is the infrastructure planner for NSW's first 5 renewable energy zones and select priority infrastructure projects like the Waratah Super Battery Project and the Hunter Transmission Project.

EnergyCo's work helps to bring certainty to project developers and investors, while also minimising cumulative impacts and maximising benefits for local communities.

As infrastructure planner, we work with industry in 3 key ways:

  • we plan electricity infrastructure projects and procure network operators to build them
  • we design and manage access schemes that coordinate how generation and storage projects like wind, solar, and batteries connect to the grid in certain places
  • we maximise opportunities for local businesses and First Nations organisations to supply goods and services to these projects.

Learn more about us
Two people walking between solar arrays

Working with network operators

Under the EII act, network operators are entities that EnergyCo, as the infrastructure planner, selects to deliver and maintain certain electricity infrastructure projects. These projects can include things like power lines, substations and upgrades to existing infrastructure.

A network operator:

  • builds, owns and maintains the electricity infrastructure over its lifetime
  • works with generation and storage project developers to connect projects to the grid.

So far, EnergyCo has selected network operators for:

A process is currently underway to select a network operator for the New England Renewable Energy Zone Network Infrastructure Project.

Learn more about electricity infrastructure projects
Image of First Tower built in Central West Orana REZ

Working with generation and storage project developers

Renewable energy zones (REZs) are based in areas rich in wind and solar resources that are suitable for industry development. 

EnergyCo, as infrastructure planner, plans and coordinates how generation and storage projects connect to certain parts of electricity infrastructure. 

This includes:

  • connection routes
  • designing shared infrastructure (like substations and energy hubs)
  • planning and environmental approvals for connection assets.

This approach helps optimise the use of existing network infrastructure, meaning fewer new power lines are needed to connect projects. It also reduces impacts to communities and the environment, while supporting regional economic growth and giving developers greater certainty to invest. 

Learn more about generation and storage projects
Kangaroo at Bodangora Wind Farm - Central-West Orana REZ

Access schemes

One of our key roles is to design and manage access schemes that coordinate how generation and storage projects connect to parts of the network where an access scheme is in place.

Access schemes provide a structured, transparent process to allocate access to the network, helping ensure projects can connect and remain connected as the system develops. They also support better outcomes for consumers and communities by aligning generation, storage and transmission investment.

So far access schemes have been declared for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone and the South-West Renewable Energy Zone. 

Learn more about access schemes

Wind turbines with cloudy sky
Access schemes

Learn about current access scheme processes and view the access rights register.

Sheep and solar panels - NE REZ
Access schemes and rights explained

Read our explainer about access schemes and rights.

Supply opportunities for local businesses

With a growing pipeline of renewable energy projects across NSW, local businesses have more opportunities to supply goods and services.

Using local suppliers strengthens regional supply chains and delivers lasting economic benefits for communities across NSW.

We're working with project proponents and delivery partners to encourage local participation in generation, storage and electricity infrastructure projects.

Learn more about opportunities
Central-West Orana REZ Transmission Project - construction

Where we are now

We're progressing planning, procurement and delivery across multiple renewable energy zones and priority infrastructure projects.

Industry input has already helped shape the development of renewable energy zones through early market engagement and expression of interest processes.

We continue to work with industry partners to refine project design, run procurement processes and coordinate delivery across the electricity system.

Learn more about our projects
Waratah Super Battery Project- Munmorah site

More information

Long-Term Energy Service Agreements

ASL runs competitive tenders for Long-Term Energy Service Agreements (LTESAs) to support the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.

Learn more on ASL's website.

Infrastruture NSW pipeline of energy projects

The NSW Government Infrastructure Pipeline includes major infrastructure projects in planning, upcoming for procurement, and asset maintenance projects. The Pipeline provides a forward view of infrastructure under development by the NSW Government.

Renewable Energy Sector Board and Electricity Infrastructure Jobs Advocate

These bodies support NSW's industry and workforce to benefit from the state's transition to renewables.

Other entities delivering the Roadmap

Learn more about who we work with to delever NSW's Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.

Get in touch with EnergyCo

Email us

contact@energyco.nsw.gov.au

Phone us

Call 1800 118 894 (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday)

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