Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe has today requested that the Legislative Council's Standing Committee on State Development inquire into and report on the feasibility of undergrounding transmission infrastructure for renewable energy projects. The electricity system in NSW is currently undergoing a rapid transformation.
NSW will need to replace 3 coal-fired power stations over the next decade. The most cost-effective and environmentally responsible replacement is renewable energy.
Five renewable energy zones have been established to coordinate the development of renewable generation and storage projects with transmission infrastructure that will transport electricity to where it is needed. In addition to these zones, several other critical transmission projects are being delivered to reinforce NSW's electricity supply, such as the HumeLink project.
The government is aware of concerns being raised regarding the environmental, agricultural, community and other effects of the HumeLink project and similar concerns regarding other transmission projects.
Minister Sharpe has listened to these concerns and has requested an inquiry into the feasibility of undergrounding transmission infrastructure.
The terms of reference are as follows:
That the Legislative Council Standing Committee on State Development inquire into and report on the feasibility of undergrounding the transmission infrastructure for renewable energy projects, with particular reference to:
- the costs and benefits of undergrounding
- existing case studies and current projects regarding similar undergrounding of transmission lines in both domestic and international contexts
- any impact on delivery timeframes of undergrounding, and
- any environmental impacts of undergrounding.
The committee is due to report its findings by 31 August 2023.
Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering the renewable energy transition that NSW deserves, in a way which is cost effective and environmentally responsible."
"We are also committed to ensuring local communities are engaged at every stage of the transition."
"This inquiry is an opportunity for everyone to have their say and to understand the issues that need to be weighed up when delivering this infrastructure."
