​​NSW residents a step closer to reliable electricity from the South West Renewable Energy Zone with deal sealed​

The South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is a step closer to bringing new reliable, clean and affordable energy online to support the state’s homes and businesses, with a milestone agreement secured.

EnergyCo’s execution of a Project Development Deed with Transgrid will enable the upgrade of a critical section of the grid between Jerilderie and Wagga Wagga, supporting 3.56 gigawatts (GW) of new generation capacity from wind, solar and battery projects.  

EnergyCo’s agreement with Transgrid follows the NSW Government’s recent $225 million investment in the South West REZ to accelerate the project. It will bring more low-cost renewable energy into the grid, helping put downward pressure on electricity bills while delivering investment, jobs and community benefits across the state’s south west.

Benefits are already flowing into the South West REZ, with the announcement of an initial $60 million investment through the Community and Employment Benefit Program.  

The South West REZ is expected to attract more than $17.8 billion in private investment and is forecast to support an average of about 1,690 direct jobs per year in the local area during construction, and hundreds of ongoing operational jobs.

It will also create additional demand for workers in local manufacturing, retail, transport and the supply of goods and services.  

The agreement today accelerates the delivery of the South West REZ project which includes:

• an upgrade of Dinawan substation to operate at 500kV (from 330kV)
• a new switchyard at the Dinawan substation
• an upgrade to 11km of 330kV transmission line from Gugaa to Wagga Wagga substations  
• the conversion of the existing Dinawan to Wagga Wagga powerlines from 330kV to 500kV. 

Quote attributable to EnergyCo Chief Executive Officer Hannah McCaughey: 

“EnergyCo is pleased these upgrades will now get underway, with the South West Renewable Energy Zone expected to provide enough clean energy to power up to 1.6 million homes. We are proud to work with South West REZ communities, Transgrid, and the REZ access right holders on this project.” 

Quote attributable to Transgrid Chief Executive Officer Brett Redman: 

“This significant project will reinforce the reliability of the grid and provide real benefits to consumers across NSW and the National Electricity Market, by enabling the connection of lower cost renewable energy to the grid.” 

About the South West Renewable Energy Zone

The South West REZ stretches from west of Jerilderie to the Victorian border near Mildura. It includes Buronga, Gol Gol, Balranald and Hay, and includes:

• 2 new transmission lines – Project EnergyConnect and Victoria NSW Interconnector West (VNI West)
• renewable energy projects, including wind, solar and battery storage infrastructure.