South West Renewable Energy Zone
The South West Renewable Energy Zone (SW REZ) is a cornerstone of New South Wales' transition to a sustainable energy future. Spanning from the Dinawan Substation in the east to the Buronga Substation in the west, this zone is strategically positioned to harness the region's abundant wind and solar resources. The SW REZ is expected to unlock 3.56 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy generation capacity, capable of powering up to 1.6 million homes.
Key infrastructure projects within theSouth West Renewable Energy Zone (SW REZ) include:
Major Projects in the Hay
Pottinger Energy Park
- Location: Approximately 60 km south of Hay, NSW
- Developers: Someva Renewables and AGL Energy
- 115 wind turbines, a 300 MW solar farm, and a 400 MW/21600 Mwh battery energy storage system
- 831.2 MW sufficient to power up to 510,000 Australian homes.
- Workforce: Estimated 550 jobs at peak construction and 35 full-time operational roles.
Bullawah Wind Farm
- Location: Approximately 36 km southeast of Hay, NSW
- Developer: BayWa r.e. Australia
- 48 wind turbines and a battery energy storage facility
- 262 MW, sufficient to power up to 210,000 Australian homes
- Workforce: Up to 180 people at peak construction with 35 full time operational roles
Contact and Further Information
For more details or to get involved:
Projects on Public Exhibition - Environmental Impact Statement
Click here to view and comment on projects currently applying for planning permission from the NSW Government within the Hay LGA. Please note that as the projects are State Significant, Hay Shire Council is not the consent authority and therefore does not decide if a project is given planning permission to proceed.
Work Packages Available
Businesses who are interested in providing goods or services to the Renewable Energy Developments can view the work packages for each development below. The packages are managed by the
Industry Capability Network.
At present the packages are in Expression of Interest stage.
An EOI is simply putting your hand up for work. You can express interest in individual work packages listed on Gateway by ICN. The system allows for both 'full' and 'partial scope' EOIs, so it's important to read the attached scope of works carefully before submitting.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a way for project owners to gauge the capabilities of businesses interested in working on specific parts of a project.
Submitting an EOI is your opportunity to:
- Show your interest in a work package or opportunity
- Promote your business capabilities to project owners
- Get on the radar early in the procurement process
- Be considered for upcoming tenders or contract opportunities
Pottinger Energy Park (Hay)
Developer: Someva Renewables
Total Work Packages: 22
Closing date: December 2025
Click here to view all work packages related to the development of Pottinger Wind Farm
Bullawah Wind Farm (Hay)
Developer: BayWa r.e
Total Packages : 44
Closing Date: December 2025
Click here to view all work packages related to the development of the Bullawah Wind Farm
Diniwan Wind Farm (Coleambally and Jerilderie)
Developer : Spark Renewables
Total Packages: 22
Closing Date: September 2025 to July 2026
Click here to view all the work package related to the development of Diniwan Wind Farm
For more information on work packages contact
Geoff Reardon
Regional Manager ICN
0402 632 027
To stay informed about upcoming business and community sessions and opportunities related to the South West Renewable Energy Zone, sign up to our
Business email here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the South West Renewable Energy Zone (SW REZ)?
A: The SW REZ is one of five Renewable Energy Zones identified by the NSW Government. It coordinates investment in generation, storage, and transmission to deliver clean energy efficiently and cost-effectively across the state.
Q: Why was the Hay region chosen for renewable energy development?
A: The Hay region offers high-quality wind and solar resources, a sparse population, strong existing and planned grid connections, and local landholder support. Its flat landscape also makes it ideal for large-scale renewable infrastructure.
Q: How many jobs will be created by these projects?
A:
- Pottinger Energy Park: Up to 900 jobs during construction, and around 50 ongoing roles once operational.
- Bullawah Wind Farm: Up to 350 jobs during construction, with ongoing maintenance and technical roles to follow.
Q: How can local businesses get involved?
A: Developers are actively seeking local suppliers for services including civil works, transport, accommodation, catering, fencing, and machinery hire. Procurement information sessions and training will be offered to help local businesses become project-ready.
Q: Will the projects impact local roads and traffic?
A: Yes, during construction there will be an increase in heavy vehicle movements. Traffic management plans will be developed in consultation with Hay Shire Council to minimise disruption and maintain road safety.
Q: What is the community benefit fund?
A: Both Pottinger and Bullawah projects will contribute to a Community Benefit Fund. These funds support local initiatives in education, training, environment, health, and infrastructure. In addition, there will be economic activity through the construction phase and up to 35 full time jobs for each project during operation.
Q: When will these projects be operational?
A: Construction for the Pottinger Energy Park is expected to commence in late 2026, with operations beginning thereafter. The Bullawah Wind Farm's construction is scheduled to start in 2026, aiming for operational status by 2027.
Q: What happens to the turbines and infrastructure at the end of the project life?
A: Decommissioning and rehabilitation plans are mandatory. Infrastructure will be removed or repurposed, and land restored in accordance with landholder agreements and planning conditions.
Q: Are there any impacts on biodiversity or cultural heritage?
A: All projects undergo comprehensive environmental assessments to identify and manage impacts. This includes protection of native vegetation, wildlife corridors, and First Nations cultural heritage. Consultation with Traditional Owners and local stakeholders is a key part of project planning.
Q: Will the projects cause noise or visual impacts?
A: Wind turbines will be sited to comply with NSW noise regulations. Visual impact assessments are conducted and mitigation strategies, such as vegetation screening, are included in final designs where necessary.
Q: Are renewables making electricity more expensive?
A: Renewables (solar, wind and backed by firming) are now the lowest-cost form of new electricity generation and the cheapest way to replace the energy we get from coal-fired power stations, which are ageing and scheduled to close.
NSW move to renewables will deliver value for money by supplying the most affordable energy into the grid and keeping electricity bills as low as possible. By moving to renewables, NSW will reduce the state’s vulnerability to price spikes in times of high demand.
Q: How will renewables affect agricultural land?
A: Just 0.1% of rural land (55,000 ha) in NSW is expected to be used for renewable energy production.
With careful planning and consideration of land use, renewable energy projects can coexist with agriculture and food production. This is already happening in NSW.
Q: Why don’t we go nuclear instead of renewables?
A: Nuclear energy is very costly when compared to firmed renewables. According to the
CSIRO's GenCost 2023–24 final report, nuclear energy is likely to remain two to three times more expensive per megawatt hour than other current lowest cost, large-scale firm generation technologies. This is even after accounting for the additional cost of electricity storage and new transmission build.
Currently both NSW and Australian government legislation prohibits the construction or operation of nuclear facilities for non-research purposes. Even if it were not prohibited, developing, planning, constructing and commissioning a nuclear power station is estimated by the CSIRO to take at least 15 years. Adding to this, Australia has no nuclear energy industry, workforce or regulatory system to enable this.
Given the cost and time barriers, the case has not been made for nuclear in NSW, especially as NSW will need to be ready meet the state’s energy needs in the next ten years when three out of four of the state’s coal-fired power plants are schedule to close.
That is why NSW is harnessing the state's abundant solar and wind resources and upgrading the electricity network to deliver more affordable, clean and reliable energy to every household, school, hospital, and business in NSW.
Q: What role does Hay Shire Council play in these developments?
A: Hay Shire Council advocates for local benefit, participates in consultation, oversees local planning impacts (like road use and housing), and ensures legacy outcomes for the community. The Hay Shire Council, together with the community developed the
Fundamental Principles for Successful Renewable Energy Development in Hay to ensure that the community was considered in every decision by both EnergyCo and the Developers. This Principles have formed the basis for the negotiations to deliver long term legacy to the community.
Q: How do I lodge a complaint or feedback regarding a project in the South West Renewable Energy Zone?
A: Please click on the links below and click on contact us and make a submission or complaint.
Energy & Water NSW Ombudsman
Respond to IPC public enquiries
Direct to EnergyCo
Alert your local Council
Q: Who is Transgrid?
A: Transgrid has been engaged by Energy Co to deliver Project Energy Connect.
Transgrid operates and manages the high voltage electricity transmission network in NSW and the ACT, connecting generators, distributors, and major end users.
Over decades of technical excellence, Transgrid have enabled the smooth operation of 13,085km of high voltage transmission wires and 128 substations.
Transgrids network is the backbone of the National Energy Market, enabling energy trading between Australia’s three largest states along the east coast, and supporting the competitive wholesale electricity market, while leading the transition to a clean energy future.
Q: What is Project Energy Connect?
A:
Project EnergyConnect is a joint project between South Australia's electricity transmission network provider ElectraNet and New South Wales provider Transgrid. The Project involves building a 900 km long interconnector between South Australia and New South Wales with an added connection into Victoria.
Please note these links will open a new tab..
Q: What is VNI West
A: The Victoria to NSW Interconnector West – known as
VNI West ) – is a proposed new 500 kV double circuit transmission line connecting the high voltage electricity grids in New South Wales and Victoria.
VNI West is being jointly developed with
Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) and will connect major projects
EnergyConnect) ) in NSW and Western Renewables Link in Victoria. The preferred option runs from Transgrid’s Dinawan substation north of Jerilderie in NSW to new substations proposed near Kerang and Bulgana in Victoria.
To stay informed about upcoming business and community sessions and opportunities related to the South West Renewable Energy Zone, sign up to our Business email here.