THE federal government is kicking in almost $1 million to see how it can get an energy windfall from renewable sources near Tamworth.
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The funds will go toward a feasibility study conducted by TransGrid, which aims to help bolster energy infrastructure for the region and explore 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 1,400 MW of renewable energy generation to the grid within the next three to five years.
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Federal Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor said the study could attract more energy investment to the region.
"This project has the potential to bring job opportunities to the region and see New England attract more private-sector investment," Mr Taylor said.
"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."
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 2,000 construction jobs and 1,300 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."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
