Regional Futures Forum accelerates opportunities in the South West REZ
Businesses and innovators in South West NSW are coming together to explore opportunities presented by the energy transition at the Regional Futures Forum.
EnergyCo will present at the forum, held in Albury on the 26 and 27 March, focussing on strategic approaches that help build resilient, reliable energy systems and unlock long-term economic benefits for businesses, industry and communities.
The initiative is hosted by Regional Development Australia – Murray, and examines the major forces shaping the future of regional Australia, including energy transition, sustainability, productivity and workforce trends
More than 800 leaders and changemakers are expected to attend and work together to identify opportunities for growth in the region.
The South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is expected to attract more than $17.8 billion in private investment and will support hundreds of local jobs.
Quote attributable to Phil Bratby, Executive Project Director, EnergyCo:
“EnergyCo is proud to sponsor and be part of the Regional Futures Forum. We support initiatives that build connections between community, government and industry to ensure people in regions, like the South West REZ, can access benefits generated by the transition.”
Quote attributable to Sarimah Hellyer, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Regional Development, Regional Development Australia – Murray:
“Australia is at a point where building a secure and future-ready energy system is no longer optional – it’s essential. The Renewable Energy Zones are central to that shift, creating significant investment and business opportunities across our regions.
“The Regional Futures Forum is about ensuring regions are ready to lead and benefit from this transition, and we’re proud to partner with EnergyCo to support that work.”
About the South West Renewable Energy Zone:
The South West REZ stretches from Dinawan Substation in the east to Buronga Substation in the west and includes:
- 2 new transmission lines – Project EnergyConnect and Victoria NSW Interconnector West (VNI West)
- 4 renewable energy projects, including wind, solar and battery storage infrastructure.
The South West REZ will initially unlock 3.56 gigawatts of clean energy generation capacity within the next decade. It will be capable of powering up to 1.6 million homes.