Electricity generation

Electricity in NSW is generated from a wide range of fuel sources, including black coal, natural gas, coal seam methane gas and renewable energy sources such as hydro, wind, biomass and solar.

NSW has around 18,000 megawatts (MW) of installed electricity generation capacity. Interconnectors with Queensland and Victoria provide additional capacity of about 1100 MW and 1500 MW respectively.

The tables below provide a list of major existing, under construction and proposed NSW power stations larger than 30 MW of installed capacity. A full list of current NSW generators registered with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) can be found on the AEMO website. There are over 20,000 MW of power plant proposals (including over 9000 MW from renewable sources) at various stages of development from concept to construction.

In NSW, proposals to build new power stations are assessed under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Projects already being assessed prior to the repeal of Part 3A will continue to be assessed under Part 3A. No project applications were accepted between the repeal of Part 3A and 1 October 2011.

On 1 October 2011 a new assessment system for projects of State significance commenced in New South Wales with the commencement of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Part 3A Repeal) Act 2011 and the State and Regional Development - State Environmental Planning Policy ( 1.4 mb).

New power stations are subject to a transparent and public assessment process to ensure protection of the environment and the health and amenity of local communities.

The environmental assessment process for electricity generation projects is the same as for any other major project. This process requires a full and thorough environmental assessment by the Director-General of the Department of Planning with particular emphasis given to ensuring approved proposals proceed in an environmentally appropriate and sustainable manner.

The AEMO also releases an annual report, the Electricity Statement of Opportunities, outlining the supply and demand balance for each region of the National Electricity Market.

AEMO's latest findings are based on new information regarding supply and demand in the dynamic electricity market - a market which is constantly changing in response to factors such as the state of the economy, Federal Government environmental policies, new business investment, new homes being built and energy efficiency measures.

The report shows that NSW has been prudent in its planning for the state's future electricity needs and that we have enough time to ensure that we've got the right amount of capacity when we need it.

Details of proposed generation plants can be found on the Department of Planning's Major Projects Register. 

Major existing NSW power stations

Last updated: 28 November 2011

^* in Victorian region of the NEM
** CSM Coal Seam Methane
*** OCGT Open Cycle Gas Turbine
**** CCGT Combined Cycle Gas Turbine

Projects with development approval

Last updated: 28 November 2011

Projects in the planning system

Last updated: 28 November 2011