NSW issues new planning framework for RE development

This includes five new and updated guidelines.

New South Wales (NSW) has released a new Renewable Energy Planning Framework that aims to push for faster planning decisions, provide investment certainty for industry and host communities, and boost economic benefits for regional communities.

In a statement, authorities said the framework is composed of five new and updated guidelines, namely Wind Energy Guidelines, Transmission Guidelines, Solar Energy Guidelines, Benefit Sharing Guidelines, and Private Agreement Guidelines.

It also notes setbacks to avoid significant visual impacts from wind energy and transmission infrastructure, updates requirements for assessing hypothetical dwellings and establishes the government’s expectations for how benefits from renewable energy projects will flow directly to regions.

This is expected to generate over $400m to support community and local government initiatives.

The framework was developed after consultation with stakeholders, including industry and local communities. It incorporates feedback received through the public exhibition period from 14 November 2023 to 29 January 2024.

The NSW government also released the Renewable Energy Transition Update to report on its progress on clean energy transition.

Since forming the government, the Minns Labor Government has approved 29 renewable energy and transmission projects. These approvals will deliver 5.7 gigawatts (GW) of new energy generation and 6.3 GW (or 15.4 GWh) of storage.

Also granted with planning approval was the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone transmission project, whilst six renewable energy projects were declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure.