Electricity System Security and Reliability Requirement
As part of the planning assessment process, proponents of future State significant development (SSD) and State significant infrastructure (SSI) energy projects can now be asked to consider our state’s energy security needs in their development applications.
This new requirement will encourage the private sector to find fit-for-purpose solutions to support an orderly transition to a secure, reliable and modern energy system.
Overview
Proponents of new large-scale energy projects in NSW may now be required to outline the capability of their projects to contribute to electricity system security and reliability at the start of the planning process. This requirement may form part of the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) for State significant energy projects.
The new electricity system security and reliability environmental assessment requirement will help enable a smooth and orderly transition to a modern energy system. This is by encouraging upfront consideration of the electricity system security and reliability capabilities that a new project proponent could include in their project design.
The Department has published a factsheet to provide guidance to proponents on the new requirement.
Objectives
- Ensure our state’s energy security is considered by energy project proponents early in the planning assessments process.
- Support a smooth transition to a more diverse, modern energy system by encouraging the private sector to find fit-for-purpose solutions that can deliver on-demand supply and support the stability of the electricity system.
About the changes
The new requirement places a priority on the state’s energy security, to help ensure that supply is available when needed and the electricity system has the right technical characteristics to operate reliably.
Responding to the requirement may also save proponents time down the track. By including adequate information on any planned future storage or other grid support equipment in their response, they could potentially avoid the need to apply for a modification later.
The new requirement will ask proponents to consider the capability of their project to contribute to electricity system security and reliability early in the planning assessments process. The requirement may form part of the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) for State significant development (SSD) and State significant infrastructure (SSI) energy projects.
Proponents may be required to consider how they could incorporate a range of solutions into their projects, such as batteries or smart inverters, to support the stability of the electricity system.
For more information
Electricity System Security and Reliability Environmental Assessment Requirement