NSW renewable rollout falls nearly $1 billion short of budget amid delays

Since the 2020 coalition plan to replace coal with renewable power, New South Wales' EnergyCo has underspent its budget by almost $1 billion across two years, reflecting postponed milestones rather than reduced delivery. The agency’s spending fell to $686 million of a $1 billion allocation in 2025-26, after $885 million was used the previous year, leaving a $939 million gap. Project delays are attributed to a “cumulative effect” of factors including protracted community engagement, repeated revisions to transmission routes, and lengthy planning approvals that make NSW the slowest state for wind, solar and battery permits.

The largest Renewable Energy Zone in New England, intended to supply two-thirds of the state's 12 GW goal, still lacks a network operator and will not begin construction until the end of 2027. With the state currently 7.9 GW short of its 2030 target, officials say commissioning must almost double annually, while investors cite rising costs and curtailment risks as further obstacles.