WHILE much of the attention last week was focussed on the gas part of Scott Morrison’s A$2 billion energy deal with New South Wales, parts of the agreement had a much greener tinge, outlining the underwriting of interconnectors between the states and the establishment of a pilot renewable energy zone.

The federal government, according to last week's statement by the PM, will underwrite the HumeLink and Queensland-NSW interconnectors to strengthen grid reliability, one of the key priorities listed by the Australian Electrical Market Operator's analysis on the grid.  

The $2 billion will also include NSW-based emissions reductions initiatives utilising $960 million in federal funding, both being divvied out into a mix of grants and loans, matched by just over $1 billion of direct funding from NSW.  

"Our agreement with the Commonwealth today will ensure we continue to strengthen and diversify our energy sector here in New South Wales - securing traditional energy sources whilst growing renewable energy investment across the state," NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian said.  

The deal will also provide financial support for the establishment of the nation's first pilot renewable energy zone in the Central West for large-scale renewable projects. 

Source: Energy News Bulletin

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