A week after the state government announced the Northern Tablelands would become a renewable energy hub, the federal government is kicking in almost $1 million.
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That funding will go towards a feasibility study, conducted by TransGrid, exploring a possible new connection between Tamworth and Gunnedah.
It's estimated the project will help secure the region's energy supply by pumping in an additional 1400 MW of renewable energy generation to the grid within the next three to five years.
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The Commonwealth will pour $995,000 towards the cost of the $3.45 million NETI feasibility study, but it's not yet known where the rest of the funds will come from.
The study comes after the state government launched the New England Renewable Energy Zone initiative earlier this month and is expected to support 2000 construction jobs and 1300 ongoing jobs.
Federal Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor said the project has the potential to bring job opportunities to the region and see New England attract more private-sector investment.
"This study will help to manage the integration of renewables into the grid. This is essential to help keep the lights on, keep energy bills low and importantly support local jobs in regional NSW," Mr Taylor said.
The Commonwealth will pour $995,000 towards the cost of the $3.45 million NETI feasibility study, but it's not yet known where the rest of the funds will come from.
The study comes after the state government launched the New England Renewable Energy Zone initiative earlier this month and is expected to support 2000 construction jobs and 1300 ongoing jobs.
A long-time supporter of "traditional energy sources", New England MP Barnaby Joyce said the study would help find the balance of power sources needed to light up the region.
"The federal government has delivered millions of dollars of investment already for renewable energy generation right here on our doorstep in places like Inverell and Glen Innes," Mr Joyce said.
"We still need base-load power supply from traditional energy sources, but this shows we're also looking to the future and planning for the transition when the technology and energy demand allows."
