Boost offshore wind in Australia with new renewable energy zone | Daily News Byte

The NSW Government has declared the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), marking the fourth REZ in NSW following the progress of the Central West Orana, New England and South West Zones.

REZs are the equivalent of modern power stations, connecting multiple renewable energy projects and electricity storage to take advantage of economies of scale and deliver cheap, reliable and clean electricity to NSW homes and businesses. As the infrastructure planner for the Hunter-Central Coast REZ, EnergiCo will work with grid operators to deliver any necessary transmission infrastructure extensions to connect renewable generation and storage projects to the grid. The region is served by two major ports, Port Botany and Port Kembla, which will play a key role in the development of offshore wind projects.

“The newly declared Renewable Energy Zone is a resource-rich region that offers large renewable energy resources, with significant port and transportation infrastructure, a skilled workforce and the ability to repurpose existing power plants and rehabilitated mining land,” said Mike Young, CEO at EnergiCo. is.

REZs are the equivalent of modern power stations, connecting multiple renewable energy projects and electricity storage to take advantage of economies of scale and deliver cheap, reliable and clean electricity to NSW homes and businesses.

“The Hunter-Central Coast cut will ensure these regions play a key role in the future of renewable energy,” Young added. “They will drive existing industries and support economic growth, including new technology in the production of green hydrogen, ammonia and metals, offshore wind farms, electric vehicle fleet operators, as well as the electrification of industrial processes.”

There is strong commercial interest in developing renewable generation and storage projects in the Hunter and Central Coast region, with almost 40 gigawatts and more than $100 billion of potential investment interest, including offshore wind. The Hunter-Central Coast REZ will help existing industries decarbonise and support the development of the Hunter Hydrogen Hub and clean generation facilities by supplying the renewable energy needed to power these industries.

“There is a huge challenge facing the renewable energy industry,” said Jason Willoughby, CEO of CVP Renewables. “We are required to deliver the equivalent of a 290 MW wind farm every month for the next 90 months.” This is what is required for wind generation alone under the step change scenario of AEMO’s Integrated System Plan 2022. Achieving this will help us reach 80% renewables and meet the statutory target of reducing emissions by 43% by 2030.