NSW is one step closer to unlocking at least three gigawatts of new renewable energy generation capacity following the release of the scoping report for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) transmission project.
The development of the REZ is ramping up and the release of the scoping report is an exciting step towards delivering clean, affordable and reliable energy to NSW electricity consumers.
This REZ will deliver $10 billion of new investment to the Central West Orana region, more than 3,900 jobs in construction and dedicated funding for community benefits.
The transmission infrastructure for the REZ will include new 330kV and 500kV transmission lines to connect renewable energy generation projects to the grid, energy hubs at Merotherie and Elong Elong and a new substation at Wollar.
The report presents a preliminary analysis of environmental matters that will be assessed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), as well as the infrastructure proposed for the project.
The scoping report outlines a refined one kilometre transmission network study corridor following further design work and consultation with landowners. This has been reduced from the 5 kilometre wide study corridor initially announced in February 2022.
The report also identifies a range of key environmental factors which will require further assessment in the EIS such as biodiversity, heritage, land use and visual amenity.
To support the release of the scoping report, EnergyCo will carry out a range of communication and engagement activities with local landowners, communities and key stakeholders, including a series of planned information sessions and the launch of an interactive map on the project website.
There are seven information sessions planned in the region:
- Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club, 73 Arthur Street, Wellington
Monday 19 September, 3–5 pm
- Dunedoo Jubilee Memorial Hall, 154 Bolaro Street, Dunedoo
Tuesday 20 September, 10 am–12 pm and 3–5 pm
- Coolah Youth and Community Centre, 10–12 Binnia Street, Coolah
Wednesday 21 September, 10 am–12 pm and 3–5 pm
- Gulgong Memorial Hall, 112 Herbert Street, Gulgong
Friday 23 September, 9 am–12.30 pm
Following the release of the scoping report, the Department of Planning and Environment will issue Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements in late 2022 which will outline the requirements that must be addressed in the project's EIS. The EIS will be on public exhibition in mid-2023.
