FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY 8 MAY 2025
Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone set to send cheap, reliable clean energy to 2.7 million homes
The Climate Council celebrates the NSW Government’s announcement of 10 wind, solar and storage projects built in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone that will power millions of homes and businesses with clean energy.
Climate Councillor and energy expert, Greg Bourne, said: “Growing our wind and solar generation capacity is integral to fortifying Australia’s energy mix as polluting coal use declines. More gigawatts of energy and storage will see millions more Australian homes and businesses powered by cleaner, cheaper energy.
“Renewable power like wind and solar, backed by storage, can meet almost all of our electricity needs around the clock. New South Wales can get there by strategically building out the critical connections between projects and transmission infrastructure across the state, through Renewable Energy Zones like this one.
“In addition to keeping the lights on and reducing our energy bills, renewables bring lasting benefits like good jobs and upgrades to essential infrastructure and services in communities.”
Climate Council CEO, Amanda McKenzie, said: “The Federal Election was a massive endorsement of the Labor Government’s renewable energy policies, which can keep our energy bills down and cut harmful climate pollution. The NSW Government is also making progress, with new projects clustered together in Renewable Energy Zones set to make the most of our abundant sunshine and wind resources.
“This week, the Australian Energy Market Operator confirmed that renewables are supplying a record share of the power in Australia’s main energy grid. Pair this with more Australians embracing clean and reliable renewables, and we have a clear pathway forward when it comes to powering ourselves for generations to come.
“Staying the course will reduce energy bills and improve energy security for households and businesses, while creating regional jobs and cutting polluting fossil fuels like coal out of our energy mix.”
ENDS
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The Climate Council is Australia’s leading community-funded climate change communications organisation. We provide authoritative, expert and evidence-based advice on climate change to journalists, policymakers, and the wider Australian community. For further information, go to: climatecouncil.org.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
