The development of the Central West-Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ) has reached a major milestone with the opening of EnergyCo’s local office in Dubbo.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders was joined by EnergyCo Chief Executive James Hay and Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Mathew Dickerson to officially open the office, which will serve as the home base for EnergyCo, the organisation coordinating the delivery of the state’s five Renewable Energy Zones.
“This REZ was the first to be formally declared in Australia, meaning our region has the chance to lead the way in, and really benefit from, our transition to a renewable energy future,” Mr Saunders said.
“REZs are the equivalent of modern-day power stations, combining renewable energy generation, transmission, storage and system strength services to ensure the delivery of secure, affordable and reliable energy to homes, businesses and industry.
“But we need to make sure it’s done right, which is why I tasked NSW Agriculture Commissioner Daryl Quinlivan with conducting a review into the opportunities and challenges presented by this growing new sector.
“I’m pleased this new office will support better consultation with landowners, communities and other key stakeholders on the ground.”
The Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap sets out the NSW Government’s 20-year plan to drive significant private investment in energy infrastructure, including the energy generation, storage, firming and transmission infrastructure needed to power NSW into the future as coal-fired generation comes to the end of its scheduled life.
Since the announcement of the Roadmap, the total value of renewable energy projects in NSW approved or seeking approval has increased by over $20 billion, with the total number of proposed projects up by approximately 50 per cent.
As at June 2022, there were over 185 large-scale renewable energy projects totalling around 34,700 megawatts progressing through the NSW planning system, representing around $49.5 billion in investment.
The REZs are expected to support around 6,300 construction jobs and 2,800 ongoing jobs, mostly in regional NSW.
EnergyCo’s Dubbo office will support activities in the CWO REZ, including engagement with landowners, communities and key stakeholders. The office is located at 155 Macquarie Street, Dubbo. For more information, the project team can be contacted on 1800 032 101 or by emailing cwo@energyco.nsw.gov.au