A lack of popularity among voters could hold back NSW’s energy transition.

NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe says community support is needed for renewable energy projects and transmission infrastructure to avoid delays and increased costs in the national transition to clean energy. 

As the NSW government advances its renewable energy plan, which involves private sector investments of over $10 billion to connect five renewable energy zones across the state, Sharpe has warned that projects lacking “a social licence” could hinder the decarbonisation of the grid.

Addressing The Australian Financial Review ESG Summit, Minister Sharpe stressed the need to answer the communities' question of; “What is in it for us?” when hosting renewable energy infrastructure. 

She highlighted that the success of major projects relied on effectively communicating the urgency of action and having the right policies, communication, and support in place.

Minister Sharpe acknowledged the challenges faced by the previous government in securing land and access for major transmission lines, such as HumeLink and EnergyConnect. 

To overcome these obstacles, the former treasurer had offered landowners $200,000 per kilometre of land for granting access. 

The new Minns government is reviewing its energy policies and community engagement program to identify barriers and ensure efficient access to properties for infrastructure development.

While pursuing the renewable energy plan, the Minns government has expressed support for the Narrabri Gas Project, backed by Santos. 

Minister Sharpe endorsed the role of gas in the energy mix, stating that it had a place in the future and the project has already been approved and is having its progress monitored.