MEDIA RELEASE
8th May 2025
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC) has welcomed today’s announcement that major renewable energy projects have been granted grid access in the Central West of the state, unlocking a huge wave of clean power that will help transition the state away from unreliable coal-fired energy.
The 7GW of projects, which include wind, solar, and battery developments, have today received access rights to connect to the grid through NSW’s first Renewable Energy Zone.
This not only marks a major milestone, but a turning point for the state’s energy future. However the NCC is calling for strong environmental standards to ensure nature is protected and restored as the energy transition gathers pace.
Quotes attributable to Nature Conservation Council CEO Jacqui Mumford:
“Today’s approval of grid access will set off an avalanche of cheap, clean electricity. It’s enough to fully power four out of every five homes in NSW.”
“This summer showed that coal-fired power stations are too old to reliably power our grid, with coal breakdowns already causing price spikes. Getting these renewable energy zones online isn’t just good for the climate - it’s essential for reliable, affordable power.”
“Many projects still need to pass environmental assessments, and we’re calling on developers to make sure their projects create benefits for nature, such as revegetating creek lines and restoring endangered habitats.”
“The construction of transmission lines to deliver this cheap, clean power to NSW homes and businesses can’t come quickly enough.”
ENDS
Media contact: Madeline Hayman-Reber
E: [email protected] M: 0404 935 157 PH: (02) 7208 9482
Note: Spokespeople are available for comment on request