en.Wedoany.com Reported - Australian renewable energy developer Tilt Renewables is planning to develop up to 10 gigawatts (GW) of wind, solar, and battery projects in the Australian outback, particularly north of Broken Hill in the far west of New South Wales. The company believes the region boasts superior wind and solar resources, but the key to the project lies in constructing new transmission lines to connect to the grid.
Tilt Renewables already operates the 200-megawatt Silverton Wind Farm and the 50-megawatt Broken Hill Solar Plant near Broken Hill, and plans to expand into more remote areas. A company brochure points out that the region's low population density, fewer land-use conflicts, and reduced number of threatened species help minimize planning hurdles. Tilt CEO Anthony Fowler stated that preliminary discussions have been held with local land lessees, pastoral associations, and Indigenous organizations, calling the plan the "Outback Energy" project, which could become a significant driver for Australia's energy transition.
Anthony Fowler said: "Our experience at Broken Hill and Silverton shows the region has excellent wind and solar resources, so it makes sense to explore more opportunities." He added that wind resources are abundant at night, precisely when energy demand peaks.
New South Wales plans to replace its aging coal-fired power stations within a decade, but slow development progress has led to the delayed closure of two coal plants. Currently, there is only one wind power project under construction statewide, while Tilt is one of the most active wind developers recently, having completed financing for smaller projects in South Australia and Western Australia, and holding the gigawatt-scale Liverpool Range Wind Farm project in New South Wales, which has received federal government support.
Fowler emphasized that the plan is still in its early stages, and the project may take several years, but the early announcement was made for transparency. He mentioned: "The critical issue is securing a secondary transmission connection to the east coast before new projects emerge in this region." Tilt submitted a proposal to AEMO in January, requesting consideration of new transmission lines. The company, along with five other entities including Squadron Energy, Ark Energy, and Voyager Renewables, has proposed establishing an "Inland Renewable Energy Zone," which, when fully operational, would support over 10 GW of new renewable energy capacity. The proposal notes that existing renewable energy zones are constrained by social license and land issues.
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