The Clean Energy Council welcomes today’s release of updated NSW planning guidelines for renewable energy projects.
“The guidelines released today will play a crucial role in ensuring wind and solar farms in NSW are assessed in a timely manner, helping the state to maintain a reliable electricity supply,” Clean Energy Council Policy Director – Energy Generation & Storage, Dr Nicholas Aberle, said.
“Clearer guidelines create a more predictable process for the companies seeking to build renewable energy projects as well as for the communities where these projects are proposed to be built, which is a win-win.
“We consider that the published guidelines strike a reasonable balance that should ensure well-designed projects will have a smooth assessment process while providing a clear framework for how impacts need to be managed.
The benefit-sharing guidelines also create a predictable framework that guarantees communities will reap significant economic benefits from hosting renewable energy projects, in addition to job creation. The NSW Government estimates renewable energy projects will share over $400 million in benefits with communities and councils over 25 years.
Dr Nicholas Aberle, Clean Energy Council Policy Director - Energy Generation & Storage
“NSW needs to build almost 2 GW of wind and solar projects each year to be on track to meet its state targets and just over 3 GW per year to meet Federal targets. Getting enough projects built depends on getting enough projects approved, so it is critical that planning processes are well-designed and well-implemented.
“The renewable energy industry has already made significant investments in NSW, with renewables now representing around 37% of total electricity generation in the state. These guidelines will provide the confidence needed to ensure continued investment that will bring significant benefits to the NSW communities and consumers.
“We look forward to continue to work with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to ensure NSW’s energy transition is on track.”
The guidelines note that:
The setback distance for wind turbines means there is no more noise at someone’s residence than a quiet library or a household refrigerator
Wind turbines have incredibly low bird fatalities compared to other sources, like collisions with buildings and cars or being killed by feral and domestic cats
Wind turbines pose no greater risk of bushfires or impeding firefighting efforts than communication towers or overhead power lines
Solar farms are predicted to use just 0.06 per cent of rural land in NSW, meaning the overall risk to agricultural productivity is extremely low