17 November, 2017
Four NSW regions set to become the state’s clean-energy superpowers
Four regions in NSW have been identified as potential clean-energy superpowers that could replace the state’s five coal-burning power stations with clean energy by 2030, a new report has found.
“The transition from coal and gas to solar, wind and storage will attract $25 billion of investment, the construction of about 2,500 wind turbines and installation of more 42 million solar panels across the state,” said report author Dr Brad Smith.
“It’s a big job, but making the NSW electricity system 100% renewable is 100% doable. The only thing missing is strong political leadership.
“Repowering the state’s electricity system with clean energy will be one of the biggest infrastructure roll-outs that state has seen. It will make renewable energy a new pillar of rural economies in many parts of the state, generating and sustaining more than 22,000 new jobs in NSW.”
The report, titled Repowering our Regions: A clean-energy road map for NSW, found four regions with outstanding wind and solar resources could supply 70 per cent of the state’s electricity needs through large-scale wind and solar farms, and rooftop solar. Those regions are Western NSW, New England (including the Northwest), the Central West, and the South East. The other 30 per cent would be supplied by rooftop solar in other parts of the state.
“These regions are poised to become renewable-energy powerhouses that will repower NSW with clean energy and drive down the state’s carbon pollution,” Dr Smith said.
“To ensure we get the jobs and investment on offer, the Berejiklian government must put in place the required policy settings.
“At the moment, NSW is the only government in eastern Australia without a plan to clean up our electricity system and slash our carbon emissions.”
WHAT IS NEEDED TO CLEAN UP THE ELECTRICITY GRID IN NSW
The Berejiklian government must slash carbon pollution, increase the reliability of our power supply, and promote jobs by:
- Setting enforceable targets to source 50% of NSW’s electricity from renewables by 2025 and 100% by 2030.
- Planning for the quick, orderly closure of antiquated coal-fired power stations, ensuring the transition is fair for power-station workers and communities.
- Creating incentives for storage technologies like batteries and pumped hydro to make our electricity grid more stable and reliable.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
https://www.nature.org.au/media/287133/repowering-our-regions-ncc-2017.pdf
#Repower
The Nature Conservation Council is part of the #Repower campaign of Australians who are working to transition from dirty coal and gas to 100% renewable power by 2030. We recognize that climate change is already occurring, and we can’t wait for the Federal Government and the big polluting energy companies to lead. It’s up to us, right now. Together, we can make it happen starting right here in NSW. Join us at www.repowernsw.org.au
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Climate and energyNSW Parliament
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