This report covers a very broad range of topics related to the supply and reliability of electricity supply in New South Wales (NSW) at a time of energy transition. The transition is driven by the need to decarbonise the state’s electricity supply in line with the commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

The federal and state governments are united in pursuit of net zero objectives. However, each state government faces different implementation challenges. The speed of transition in NSW electricity supply is greater than any other jurisdiction.

Today, around 70% of NSW’s delivered electricity comes from four coal generation plants scheduled to retire in the next 10 to 15 years. The largest of those plants, Eraring, has announced an intention to retire in 2025. Under any circumstances, replacing a plant like Eraring that provides around 20% of NSW’s delivered electricity would have been extremely challenging. With just three-and-a-half years’ notice, it is almost impossible without reliability and affordability impacts.