The NSW Government has received 113 registrations of interest in the Central West Renewable Energy Zone, after putting the call out for prospective renewable energy project proponents.
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The Central West REZ is the pilot program - the first of three zones - which aims to attract investors to build 3000 megawatts of new wind and solar farms.
And already includes the Beryl Solar Farm, the under-construction Crudine Ridge Wind Farm, and the planned Wollar, Gulgong and Burrundulla solar farms.
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The hundred-plus registrations of interest represents 27 gigawatts, valued at $38 billion, looking to connect to the 3 gigawatt REZ in the Central West and Orana region.
The state government have pledged $31.6 million to "lead the way" for investment in renewable energy in the area, announced in Dubbo last week.
Minister for Energy, Matt Kean, said that the zone is a chance for the region to become not only the "powerhouse" of NSW, but also for the entire country.
We've already seen an interest in building over 27 gigawatts of new generation into this region, that's nine times more than we'd originally planned for this renewable energy zone.
- Matt Kean, Minister for Energy
"This is a win for this region, this investment will see over $4.4 billion coming into Dubbo and the Central West, and create 450 new jobs in the region, in addition, new opportunities and industries will be created here," Mr Kean said.
"We've already seen an interest in building over 27 gigawatts of new generation into this region, that's nine times more than we'd originally planned for this renewable energy zone.
"This is about planning what the new, modern energy system will look like, starting right here in Dubbo and the Central West, there's absolutely room to increase the capacity."
And Member for the Dubbo Electorate, Dugald Saunders, said that jobs gained through investment in the project would range across a number of different positions and lengths.
"This means jobs, not only in the short term and the median term, but also in the long term, it means affordable, reliable power, which is something we all want," Mr Saunders said.
The state's other REZs will are planned for the Riverina and New England areas.
