New South Wales launches record 2.5 GW renewable tender to replace coal power

The New South Wales government has opened its largest renewable energy tender ever, known as Tender 8, seeking 2.5 GW of new wind and solar capacity. The tender emphasizes solar‑ and wind‑battery hybrid projects that can supply power beyond daylight hours, aiming to provide enough electricity for roughly one‑third of the state’s homes and to help NSW reach about 90 % of its 12 GW renewable target by 2030.

A companion tender, Tender 9, calls for up to 12 GWh of long‑duration storage—such as large‑scale batteries and pumped‑hydro—to ensure reliable supply as the state retires its remaining coal‑fired generators. State Climate and Energy Minister Penny Sharpe said the packages are intended to “keep the lights on” and push down electricity bills for families. The tenders are administered by the independent Consumer Trustee AusEnergy Service Ltd (ASL), with proposals due within seven weeks and award decisions expected before year‑end, targeting project completion by 2026.