The NSW government supports renewable energy because it understands the economic and environmental benefits. 

Renewable energy generation in NSW has doubled between 2001 and 2014 and has driven $8 billion dollars of investment, predominantly in regional areas.

There are an estimated 13,000 jobs supported by renewable energy in NSW mostly in regional areas. 

The development of projects in regional NSW has the potential to provide traditional farming communities with alternative income streams that are not rainfall dependent.

The NSW government supports retaining the national 20 per cent Renewable Energy Target, with a 41,000 gigawatt hours target for the large scale component of the scheme and recommends extending the timeframe for the scheme by matching it to 20 per cent of actual electricity demand.

Renewable energy lowers the cost of energy for consumers, supports a competitive energy market, assists in energy security through diversification and manages the risks of rising gas prices.

The continued growth of the renewable energy industry in NSW will bring us closer to achieving our vision for a secure, reliable, affordable and clean energy future in this State.

Leslie Williams MP

Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy