NSW has some of the best renewable energy resources in the world. As the global economy moves to reduce its carbon emissions, NSW can attract huge investment in new, low carbon industries and can benefit from some of the lowest electricity prices in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

NSW needs to deliver this infrastructure to replace four coal-fired power stations that are scheduled to close within the next 15 years, starting in 2023. These power stations currently provide around three quarters of the State’s energy supply; if they are not replaced before they close there will likely be substantial price rises.

This document builds on the framework set out in the NSW Electricity Strategy which takes an integrated approach to all demand and supply options, including action by households and small businesses, demand management, and investment in large-scale, affordable and reliable generation.

The document explains the rationale for the policies and programs that are specifically designed to attract and secure that large-scale investment in new electricity infrastructure. The roadmap will be supported by other actions in the strategy such as a case management service to support projects in navigating planning and approvals processes. This document complements the roadmap overview by providing the technical, economic and policy reasons for the actions that the NSW Government has decided to take.