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, including improving freight efficiency and supply chain resilience.
The New England 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 will optimise renewable energy generation.
PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION
The New England REZ is expected to provide 8 gigawatts of renewable energy generation by 2037. Enabling infrastructure is needed to support the development of renewable energy zones.
This proposal would address port capacity, port access and road network constraints for transporting renewable energy generation components to the New England REZ.
The Port of Newcastle is the primary port of entry for most large-scale wind projects in New South Wales. However, the port is not equipped to support the expected growth and simultaneous delivery of multiple projects in the New England REZ and Central-West Orana REZ. Port of Brisbane as an alternative port of entry for the New England REZ also requires investigation.
Road routes to the New England REZ cannot accommodate the over-size, over-mass (OSOM) vehicles required to transport large renewable energy components. Investigation of road network upgrades to the New England Highway and to local bypass routes for towns such as Muswellbrook, Tamworth and Armidale are needed to address height, width and mass constraints and ensure adequate pull-over bays and rest areas are provided on the corridor.
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 and Queensland 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 the development of the New England REZ.
- 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.
Adopting a program approach would help ensure upgrades are coordinated along the preferred route. As planning progresses, the New South Wales Government should work with the Queensland Government to identify necessary road network upgrades.