Renewable energy generation projects

Generation and storage projects that wish to connect to the new network infrastructure will need to apply for access rights through a competitive tender process, where projects are assessed on merits including impact on the electricity system, community engagement approach and organisational capacity. Successful projects will contribute access fees that include funds for community benefit and employment purposes in the region once they are operational. 

Access schemes are a key part of the NSW Government’s plan to coordinate and encourage renewable energy and storage investment in REZs and realise the objectives of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. For more information, visit Access schemes. 

Developers of renewable energy projects are also required to seek other necessary approvals to allow for the construction and operation of their projects in accordance with relevant legislation. This includes submitting a development application to obtain development consent from the Minister for Planning or the Independent Planning Commission.

Development of electricity generating projects, including wind and solar renewable energy projects, with a capital investment value of more than $30 million are classified as State significant development (SSD) under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems) 2021. Generation projects that meet this criteria are required to submit Development Applications (DA) with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure coordinates the assessment of applications under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. This includes working with other Government agencies and councils, encouraging community participation, and preparing a detailed whole-of-government assessment report, including any recommended conditions of consent on the merits of SSD projects for the consent authority.

The DA process for all SSD projects, including generators, includes:

• initial consultations with the Department
• preparation of a scoping report by the generator to support an application for Secretary’s Environment Assessment Requirements (SEARs), which set the terms of reference for the environmental impact statement (EIS)
• the preparation of an EIS and community consultation
• public exhibition of the EIS to allow the community and other stakeholders to make submissions
• preparation of a submissions report by the generator explaining how issues addressed in the submissions have been addressed
• whole of government assessment coordinated by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
• determination by the Minister for Planning or the Independent Planning Commission.

The EIS must address a range of impacts, depending on the location, nature and scope of the project. Typical issues assessed in an EIS for a generation project include land uses, visual, noise, biodiversity, heritage (including Aboriginal heritage), transport, water, hazards and electromagnetic interference, and social issues. The EIS must also identify measures to avoid, minimise and manage impacts in accordance with a range of comprehensive government policies and guidelines.

We are carrying out early and ongoing engagement with generation and storage developers to ensure the REZ is fit for purpose. This approach enables EnergyCo to collaborate with generators to coordinate the delivery of community benefits, manage potential impacts and ensure the New England REZ leaves a lasting positive legacy for the region. 

We are working with developers of generation projects, local councils, government agencies and other key stakeholders on strategies to ensure potential cumulative impacts are managed and coordinated within the REZ. The key topics being investigated include workforce accommodation, training and employment opportunities, roads and traffic management, water and wastewater use, waste management, and a range of key community and health services.

For more information please see the fact sheets on our project documents page here:

• Coordinating generation and storage in the REZ
• Delivering community benefits