Pathways for NSW businesses to join renewable energy supply chain
Join a virtual session hosted by the Renewable Energy Sector Board to learn about pathways created to strengthen supply chains and create opportunities for NSW businesses in renewable energy projects.
The NSW Renewable Energy Sector Board has a detailed approach to increasing local content requirements for renewable energy projects, ensuring more opportunities for local businesses to contribute to the state’s transition to clean energy. This approach forms part of the Energy Infrastructure Roadmap, which aims to deliver affordable, sustainable, and reliable electricity for NSW.
The Board seeks to address a long-standing challenge for local suppliers: many are hesitant to invest without certainty of demand, while renewable energy developers often rely on established supply chains. To bridge this gap, the Board is phasing in stricter local content requirements over time, enabling businesses to secure a role in upcoming projects.
The phased introduction of local content requirements gives businesses time to develop their capacity. This approach offers a pathway for businesses to access opportunities spanning the manufacturing and construction sectors, as well as in the operation of renewable energy projects.
Plans into Action
The NSW Renewable Energy Sector Board, established under the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020, brings together representatives from unions, the steel and manufacturing sectors, renewable energy industries, and electricity consumers. It provides advice to the Minister for Energy and the NSW Consumer Trustee on developing local supply chains and meeting the state’s renewable energy goals.
As the infrastructure planner for NSW’s five Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) integrates the Board’s recommendations into its planning. The process includes refining local content requirements every two years, based on the progress and feedback from businesses.
NSW businesses, including First Nations suppliers, are prioritised under the Board’s Local Content initiative, which aims to ensure that renewable energy projects generate economic benefits across the state.
How Businesses Can Get Involved
Local businesses interested in becoming part of the renewable energy supply chain can take the following steps:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Proposals can be submitted year-round, with assessments conducted in stages:
- November to February: Preliminary assessment
- March to October: Detailed evaluation
- August to December: Approval of recommended adjustments to local content requirements
- Prepare for Tenders: The Board encourages businesses to access available resources and timelines to align their capabilities with project requirements.
- Join Information Sessions: A virtual briefing on 11 December 2024, hosted by the Renewable Energy Sector Board, will provide insights into upcoming opportunities and advice on navigating the tendering process.
