THE state’s first ‘urban renewable energy zone’ is planned to be established in the Illawarra.

The NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe and other government representatives met earlier this week with industry, community and union leaders in Wollongong to discuss options for the plan to deliver affordable and reliable power to homes and businesses.

The Illawarra renewable energy zone (REZ) roundtable was held with energy experts, business leaders and community representatives and mapped out the steps for the proposal, including initial options. The NSW Government plan to deliver the plan by 2030.

The roundtable coincides with the signing of a new memorandum of understanding between EnergyCo, which leads the delivery of REZs, and local electricity distribution system operator, Endeavour Energy, to jointly develop innovative network and battery solutions within the zone.

Renewed attention is being given to the integration of consumer energy resources, such as rooftop solar systems and home batteries, as well as community-scale batteries and utilisation of spare government land and commercial roof space. This will minimise the impact on surrounding communities and the environment by repurposing existing infrastructure as much as possible.

The Illawarra region contains unique features that make it an ideal location for a REZ. The region already hosts major energy, port and transport infrastructure, has a skilled workforce and has strong demand for future renewable energy projects. The Illawarra REZ will help strengthen the region’s economy and support jobs for decades.

EnergyCo will engage closely with community, industry, local government and other stakeholders as the design and delivery of the REZ progresses.

Minister Penny Sharpe said the Illawarra has the potential to be NSW’s first urban renewable energy zone.

“This is a chance to leverage the community’s enthusiasm for solar, batteries and EVs to benefit the entire region, as well as pursue longer-term opportunities to support green manufacturing,” Minister Sharpe said.

“The Roundtable is an opportunity for community, industry and energy leaders to map out the next steps for unlocking clean, reliable and affordable energy for the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Wollongong MP Paul Scully said the Illawarra is uniquely positioned to show how renewable energy production and consumption can fit into an urban area.

“This Roundtable brings together industry pace setters and innovators in a crucial step towards delivering clean green energy that can meet the needs of both residents and local local industry,” he said.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, and Keira MP Ryan Park said the Illawarra already hosts major energy, port and transport infrastructure, has skilled workers required and strong demand for projects which capitalise on the region’s ability to innovate.

What is a Renewable Energy Zone?

• REZs will group new wind and solar power generation into locations where it can be efficiently stored and transmitted across NSW. Five zones have been identified and will keep electricity reliable as coal-fired power stations retire, by delivering large amounts of energy.
• REZs will help deliver lower wholesale electricity costs and place downward pressure on customer bills through increased competition.

What is EnergyCo?

• EnergyCo is the NSW Government authority responsible for leading the delivery of REZs, as part of the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. The Roadmap is the state’s 20-year plan to transform our electricity system and unlock more affordable and reliable energy.
• EnergyCo leads strategic planning and consultation processes, to make sure the new transmission infrastructure needed is built in the right place at the right time, with benefits for host communities.

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