Current access scheme processes

Learn more about access schemes in NSW’s renewable energy zones. 

Kangaroo at Bodangora Wind Farm - Central-West Orana REZ

7.15 gigawatts of projects have received access rights. 

South West REZ - tractor and circles around trees

3.56 gigawatts of projects have received access rights. 

Sheep under solar panels

We’re currently developing an access scheme for the New England REZ. 

More information

Guidelines for access scheme declarations

The Minister for Energy published updated guidelines for access scheme declarations in May 2026. 

The access scheme guidelines provide information on how the Minister for Energy makes access scheme declarations. The guidelines are intended to be flexible to allow the minister to declare an access scheme for each REZ that provides the best outcome for local communities and NSW electricity consumers. 

The initial guidelines were published in July 2022 and updated in March 2024. The 2024 updated guidelines were part of the reforms to enable EnergyCo to allocate the initial tranche of access rights under the Central-West Orana REZ Access Scheme. 

The 2026 updated guidelines clarify EnergyCo's role in the process of developing access schemes and making a recommendation to the Minister for Energy.

Read the guidelines: