Renewable energy
Investigating opportunities for renewable energy projects in NSW State forests
In 2021 the NSW Government amended the Forestry Act 2012 to allow renewable energy projects in softwood plantations. This change recognised that these opportunities can complement a region’s timber production in a number of ways, aligning with State and Commonwealth government initiatives to decrease carbon emissions and shift towards a renewable energy supply.
Renewable energy opportunities could help strengthen regional prosperity with infrastructure and employment benefits during construction and operation.
As part of a commercial process, pine plantations near Black Springs, Sunny Corner, Bondo and Orange were identified as locations with potential to be explored.
Renewable energy opportunities are well suited to these pine plantations because they:
- have existing roads and access to transmission infrastructure
- are located in windy areas
- offer large contiguous tracts of land for strings of turbines
- are located away from residential areas — minimising impacts to communities.
Opportunities at a glance
In early 2023, we invited proposals from industry. Following a 15-month tender and selection process we issued forest permits to investigate wind farm proposals in:
- Sunny Corner State Forest to the Mainstream Renewables Power and Someva Renewables Joint Venture
- State Forests in the Bondo (Tumut) area to Neoen
- State Forests in the Orange area to Iberdrola Australia
- State Forests in the Black Springs area to TagEnergy.
The companies can now start the consultation and investigation work needed to seek planning approval.
An Investigation Permit does not guarantee a proposal will move ahead. Permits allow companies to start community consultation, investigating and, if feasible, planning.
To have their wind farm proposal approved, renewable energy companies will have to go through the same assessment and approval processes as any other project proposed on private property in NSW.
Areas under consideration
Permits and planning
The permits allow companies to access the forest for the investigations phase, which includes consultation and investigations to understand the feasibility of the projects.
Projects would then progress to planning and approval (if the opportunity proves to be feasible). This phase will be managed by the individual renewable energy companies.
Renewable energy companies will need to:
- complete wind studies
- consult with the community and stakeholders
- carry out environmental studies
- design the project
- negotiate grid connection
- seek NSW government planning approval.
The renewable energy companies are responsible for carrying out investigations. Forestry Corporation will support and have oversight of the work of renewable energy companies.
If the opportunities prove viable and are approved by the NSW Government, there will be strict conditions imposed on the renewable energy companies to minimise impacts to the environment and community.
We expect the planning and approval process to take up to six years.
Project timeline
Wind farm proposals and bushfire safety
As a firefighting authority, we manage fire risk in State forests and have carefully considered renewable energy proposals through this lens.
Firefighting from the ground and air will still take place as needed.
A comprehensive fire risk assessment is also required to be submitted as part of the NSW planning approval process.
Learn more
Download an information sheet on the renewable energy investigations. PDF, 2271.67 KB
Information for community and other stakeholders
Visit the following websites for more information:
- Sunny Corner State Forest to the Mainstream Renewables Power and Someva Renewables Joint Venture
- State Forests in the Bondo (Tumut) area to Neoen
- State Forests in the Orange area to Iberdrola Australia
- State Forests in the Black Springs area to TagEnergy.
Having your say
As the land manager we are working with the renewable energy companies to ensure their community consultation is in line with our community engagement policies.
Renewable energy companies need to carry out extensive community engagement as part of the feasibility process.
The permits include conditions that ensure local First Nations communities are engaged in line with NSW planning requirements and Forestry Corporation policies.
Ahead, and complimentary to this permit holder engagement, Forestry Corporation is committed to specific engagement with relevant Aboriginal Traditional Owners and knowledge holders to understand the cultural values associated with these areas and how local Aboriginal communities would like to engaged in the process going forward.
The permits we issued ensure communities are consulted about project design and have input into the long-term partnerships that deliver on community, social responsibility requirements.
To get involved, please contact the relevant project team.
Get in touch
To learn more about Forestry Corporation’s role you can email us at renewable.energy@fcnsw.com.au