The NSW Government has marked a major milestone in the rollout of its renewable energy system, granting connection rights to four large-scale renewable projects in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
The announcement clears the way for more than 3.5 GW of new generation – enough to power 1.6 million homes – and significantly boosts the utilisation of new high-voltage transmission infrastructure in the region.
EnergyCo has awarded access rights to Origin Energy’s Yanco Delta Wind Farm, Spark Renewables’ Dinawan Energy Hub, Someva’s Pottinger Energy Park, and BayWa’s Bullawah Wind Farm.
The projects span wind, solar, and battery technologies, and include over 700 MW of battery storage capacity – critical for supporting grid stability as legacy coal-fired stations retire.
The transmission capacity unlocked through this process is the result of a competitive tender overseen by AEMO Services, part of the state’s coordinated Renewable Energy Zone framework designed to cluster generation and streamline grid connections.
EnergyCo CEO Hannah McCaughey said the tender process had attracted strong interest, allowing for efficient use of new poles and wires and helping to place downward pressure on energy bills.
“The first projects are expected online from 2027 to 2030,” she said.
Centred around Hay and extending to Balranald and Buronga, the South West REZ leverages its proximity to existing and planned high-voltage lines, including Project EnergyConnect. The REZ is projected to drive over $17 billion in private investment and support 2,800 construction jobs at its peak.
Energy access fees from connected projects will also fund community benefit programs aligned with local priorities.
