New South Wales has launched its largest renewable energy tender, seeking 2.5 gigawatts of new generation capacity. The tender, known as Tender 8, is expected to produce enough energy to power about one-third of the state's homes.
The tender is run by the independent Consumer Trustee, AusEnergy Service Limited (ASL). It aims to help NSW achieve up to 90 per cent of its renewable energy generation target of 12 gigawatts by 2030.
At the same time, ASL will open Tender 9, which seeks up to 12 gigawatt-hours of long-duration storage. Long-duration storage allows energy to be stored for extended periods and dispatched when demand is high or weather conditions are not ideal for renewable generation.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said, 'This is the largest renewable generation tender in NSW history, and it shows just how serious we are about delivering cheaper and more reliable power for households and businesses.'
Tender 8 will also introduce a new Hybrid Generation Long-Term Energy Service Agreement product, allowing applicants to combine solar or wind generation with battery storage in a single project. ASL expects to determine the successful projects under both tenders by late 2026.
