The Government of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia has endorsed 16 major private-sector investment proposals through the first round of its Investment Delivery Authority (IDA), including two pumped storage hydropower projects.
The projects represent a combined potential investment of AU$34.4bn, with 14 energy projects valued at approximately AU$34bn. The state government said the initiative is designed to help major projects progress from proposal to delivery by improving coordination across government agencies.
IDA endorsement does not constitute planning approval. All projects must still undergo full merit-based assessment and comply with state and Commonwealth legislation.
Two of the endorsed energy projects involve hydropower, which is expected to play an important role in supporting grid reliability as renewable generation expands: the Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project, proposed for Lithgow City Council; and the Burragorang Valley Hydro Storage Project in Wollondilly Shire Council. Both projects are expected to complement the rapid build-out of wind, solar and battery projects across NSW under the state’s electricity roadmap.
The Investment Delivery Authority was established to support the delivery of major projects by reducing administrative barriers and improving coordination between government departments. Endorsed projects will receive assistance through a government concierge service, a planning assessments team within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, and a multi-agency Investment Taskforce based in the Premier’s Department.
Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said: “The Investment Delivery Authority is helping accelerate the NSW Electricity Roadmap to keep the lights on and make sure families and businesses have energy they can trust and afford.
“These endorsed projects will mean more reliable and affordable power for NSW, and more jobs and investment right across the state, particularly in regional NSW.”
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey added: “The Investment Delivery Authority is about making sure NSW is open for business and serious about unlocking major investment that supports productivity and long-term economic growth.
“The projects endorsed today represent significant private sector confidence in NSW and the critical role of investment in areas like energy security and the visitor economy.
“By bringing agencies together and focusing on coordination, the IDA is helping ensure major investment proposals that matter to our economy receive the attention they require.”
“The Investment Delivery Authority supports better government coordination across all stages of complex and significant projects,” explained Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully.“By bringing multiple arms of government together we’re supporting better outcomes for communities, jobs and the economy.
“Each of these projects is an investment in a brighter future for NSW.”
Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said: “The Investment Delivery Authority reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting industry and investment by creating the right conditions for major projects to progress.
“Attracting investment in areas such as renewable energy and energy security is critical to NSW’s future competitiveness and economic resilience, and directly supports the missions outlined in the Industry Policy to build a more innovative, sustainable and globally competitive economy.
“By helping both international and domestic investors navigate the NSW government, the IDA will be instrumental in turning our state’s competitive advantages into long term growth.”
Endorsed projects
The projects endorsed in IDA round one are:
- AGL — Hunter Energy Hub — Muswellbrook Shire Council
- Burragorang Valley Green Energy Pty Ltd — Hydro storage project — Wollondilly Shire Council
- Castle Group — Battery storage project — Liverpool City Council
- Castle Group — Battery storage project — Penrith City Council
- Dinawan Energy Hub Pty Ltd (Spark Renewables) — Wind farm — Murrumbidgee Council / Edward River Council (South West REZ)
- Dinawan Energy Hub Pty Ltd (Spark Renewables) — Solar farm — Murrumbidgee Council (South West REZ)
- Lake Lyell Project Pty Ltd — Pumped hydro energy storage project — Lithgow City Council
- Lake Victoria Wind Farm Pty Ltd (WestWind Energy) — Wind farm and battery energy storage system — Wentworth Shire Council
- Neoen Australia Pty Ltd — Great Western Battery — Lithgow City Council
- Paro Planning Pty Ltd — Hotel — City of Sydney
- Piambong Wind Farm Pty Ltd — Wind farm — Mid-Western Regional Council (Central West Orana REZ)
- Port of Newcastle Operations Pty Ltd — Clean energy precinct — Newcastle
- Pottinger Renewables Pty Ltd — Wind and battery project — Edward River Council / Hay Shire Council (South West REZ)
- Santos Ltd and Hunter Gas Pipeline Pty Ltd — Gas project — Narrabri Shire Council
- Vuez Eco Resort Pty Ltd — Hotel — Snowy Monaro Regional Council
- Yanco Delta WF Project Pty Ltd (Origin Energy Power Limited) — Wind farm — Murrumbidgee Council / Edward River Council (South West REZ)
The NSW Government said additional proposals related to data centres and technology infrastructure are still being evaluated due to the scale of energy, water and infrastructure coordination required.
