The proposal aligns with the Australian Government's ambition of achieving 82% renewable energy share in electricity generation by 2030. The proposal contributes to the goals of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy and the Australian Government's Infrastructure Policy Statement, to improve freight efficiency and supply chain resilience.
The South West Renewable Energy Zone is identified by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in its 2026 Integrated System Plan and as a priority in New South Wales’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), areas with high quality renewable energy resources such as high solar irradiance and wind, have been identified in New South Wales as locations that would optimise renewable energy generation.
PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION
The South West REZ in New South Wales is expected to provide at least 3.6 gigawatts of large-scale wind generation capacity by 2030. Enabling infrastructure is needed to support the development of REZs. This proposal would address port capacity, port access and road network constraints for transporting renewable energy generation components to the South West REZ.
The Port of Newcastle is the primary port of entry for most large-scale wind projects in New South Wales. However, capacity at the port is not currently equipped to support the expected delivery needs in the South West REZ alongside simultaneous demands from the Central-West Orana and New England REZs. Interstate ports at Adelaide and Geelong are potentially viable alternatives to import wind turbines.
Road access at the ports of Adelaide and Geelong is largely suitable to accommodate the over-size, over-mass (OSOM) vehicles required to transport large renewable energy components, with some access modifications already made at both ports, though further investigation is needed. Road routes to support interstate transport of OSOM to the South West REZ include the Sturt Highway from Adelaide, crossing into New South Wales at Robinvale, and two potential routes from Geelong, crossing into New South Wales at either Tocumwal or Echuca. Investigation of road network upgrades is needed to address height, width and mass constraints and ensure adequate pull-over bays and rest areas are provided.
INVESTMENT RECOMMENDATION
The Australian Government should note this proposal as a potential future investment opportunity within the 2-4 year pipeline, supporting coordinated planning activities between the New South Wales, South Australian and Victorian Governments.
OPPORTUNITIES AND OUTCOMES
This proposal has the potential to:
- Support Australia’s renewable energy transition – by supporting the development of renewable energy projects.
- Increase productivity and sustainability outcomes – improved and efficient use of port and freight infrastructure networks would reduce barriers for energy development in New South Wales.
- Increase road freight efficiency – addressing geometric and asset performance constraints along transport routes would support improved freight productivity and reliability.
- Improve Australia’s regional transport network – the proposal would support the safe, efficient, timely and coordinated delivery of generation, transmission and firming infrastructure, while minimising disruption to other transport network users and regional communities, leaving a legacy of an improved transport network and road safety outcomes.
- Support energy system resilience – by enabling timely delivery of generation, transmission and firming infrastructure.
NEXT STEPS
Proponent to develop potential investment options (Stage 2 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework), including:
- consideration of opportunities to efficiently manage the import of renewable components at ports, including the potential need for port capacity and access improvements
- road network assessments that consider detailed loading assessment of bridge structures, widening and reconfiguration of intersections, road alignments and level crossings, and regrading roads or raising bridge structures to provide sufficient height clearances.
As planning progresses, the New South Wales, South Australian and Victorian Governments should work together to identify and coordinate necessary road network upgrades.
Adopting a program approach would help ensure upgrades are coordinated along the preferred route. This includes opportunities to integrate planning for OSOM movement with broader planning for upgrades on key freight corridors, such as the South Australian Government’s South Australia High Productivity Vehicle Network Program.