The Albanese Government has announced the biggest single expansion of Australia’s main electricity grid, backing 19 new renewable energy projects expected to power around four million households by 2030.
The projects, supported through Tender 7 of the federal government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS), will deliver 7.8 gigawatts of renewable energy generation along with 7.9 gigawatt-hours of battery storage across New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia.
The developments include major wind farms, solar farms and battery storage projects, with the government saying they will unlock an estimated $17 billion in private investment and create around 19,000 construction jobs.
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the projects would help deliver “cheaper, cleaner and more reliable renewable energy” while reducing pressure on electricity prices.
“These projects will help keep the lights on, put downward pressure on power prices and cut emissions with the cheapest form of new energy, backed by storage.”
The government said nearly $1.2 billion had been committed towards community benefit programs, including employment pathways, ranger initiatives, mental health programs and support for First Nations participation in the renewable energy transition.
More than $257 million worth of Australian steel is also expected to be used across the projects.
Assistant Climate Change and Energy Minister Josh Wilson said the investment came as ageing coal-fired power stations continued to decline.
“At a time when we’re all feeling the pinch from volatile fossil fuel markets, these investments are more important than ever.”
Among the largest projects announced are the 1,498MW Yanco Delta Wind Farm in NSW, the 1,150MW Bungaban Wind Energy Project in Queensland, and the 1,022MW Theodore Wind Farm in Queensland.
The government also confirmed Tender 9 of the Capacity Investment Scheme will open on Monday, targeting another 5GW of renewable generation capacity across the National Electricity Market.
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