Net zero is a NSW industry mission

What are industry missions?

The NSW Industry Policy takes a mission-based approach to solving critical challenges faced by the state.  

We’re focusing on advancing the government’s strategic priorities across net zero and energy transition, housing, and local manufacturing.

Through these three connected missions, the NSW Government aims to steer resources to the parts of the economy where actions are most likely to yield the greatest public benefits, foster the cooperation needed to find effective solutions, and coordinate action across different stakeholders. 

This page explores the net zero and energy transition sector and why it's a priority for NSW.

Learn more about the state's priorities

NSW Industry Policy

NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035

NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035

The sector at a glance

Why net zero and energy transition matter in NSW

NSW is building a clean, reliable and competitive energy system. Our natural advantages – like abundant solar and wind – are backed by public investment in infrastructure, precincts and innovation.

From clean energy and critical minerals to low-emissions tech, the state is scaling new industries that support global decarbonisation and help achieve net zero emissions. 

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Video transcript

NSW: Australia’s Net Zero and Clean Economy Capital

New South Wales is in a prime position to become a renewable energy and green technology powerhouse.
The net zero economy offers investors a range of opportunities across a number of sectors.
We've got the resources, the infrastructure, the skills, and the whole-of-government programs and strategies that are needed to support our investors in the clean tech economy here in New South Wales.
I'm really excited about the vibrancy of the community here in New South Wales around net zero, whether it's the corporates, whether it's the finance sector.
Obviously New South Wales, as a government's, heavily invested and we know that a third of output in Australia comes from the state of New South Wales.
So that obviously creates a very thriving centre for doing business.
Our ports are critical nodes in the supply chains for New South Wales.
They're very well connected geographically and we have excellent connections, road, rail, and pipeline.
So our ports are currently handling cargos relevant to the green energy transition, but there's opportunities for so much more in the space of hydrogen, onshore and offshore wind, and critical minerals.
We need to have access to renewable energy for us to be able to produce our materials into the global market at net zero.
So for us to be having access to the renewable energy zones that the New South Wales Government has been supporting is critical.
Our Dubbo project is going to be developing the rare earth materials that are needed for wind turbines, electric vehicles, and a lot of the advanced technologies that are needed for renewable energy.
New South Wales has got a wonderful resource endowment.
The opportunity for us is to not just mine that material, but actually add value all the way down the supply chain.
New South Wales is very well placed globally to be a destination for commercialisation of clean energy technologies.
We have the supply chains, we have the skill base, and we have the infrastructure.
But at the same time, New South Wales has taken the lead in terms of getting the policy settings right that give you certainty and security.
New South Wales have the capacity to create new engineers who come well skilled that will allow us to help companies who establish here with the skill base.
We've got land-constrained Asian neighbours just off our doorstep, all energy short.
I think hydrogen is gonna be a key strategy for New South Wales and I think New South Wales can create itself as a energy superpower, and I'm sure with the New South Wales Government backing it, it can do that.
Seek out Investment New South Wales.
There's some great resources and systems that they can help you get on the ground to support your team, to support where your office is, to support which government programs you need to tap into.
It's not just about serving our needs here in New South Wales.
It's about exporting our skills, our resources, to meet the global demand for the race to net zero.
We've got a complete package for investors across the net zero economy.
So we're inviting you all to come grow with us.

Our natural resources, integrated infrastructure, skills pipeline, research expertise and supportive policies make NSW one of the best places in the world for renewable energy and clean tech businesses looking to expand in the Asia Pacific.  

Hear industry leaders from ANZ, NSW Ports, Australian Strategic Materials (ASM), UNSW and Octopus Investments Australia explain why NSW is primed to become a renewable energy and clean technology global powerhouse.

Investment opportunities

Clean energy

NSW is fast-tracking renewable energy with 5 Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) across the state. These zones bring together solar, wind, storage and transmission infrastructure. They’re expected to attract up to $32 billion in private investment.

NSW aims to build at least 12 GW of new renewable energy by 2030 under the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. The REZs will help deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy.

The Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative is providing up to $150 million in funding to boost local capability and supply chains for renewable energy projects. This includes manufacturing components like solar panels, batteries and grid infrastructure.

Hydrogen is another long-term opportunity. NSW’s Hydrogen Strategy supports industry growth, alongside a broader Renewable Fuels Strategy now in development. Hydrogen is attracting interest from export partners including Japan and Korea.

Critical minerals

NSW is rich in critical minerals needed for clean energy, electronics and advanced manufacturing. These include rare earth elements, copper, cobalt, scandium and silver.

The Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy 2024–35 outlines a plan to responsibly explore, mine, process and recycle these materials. It also supports local jobs, investment and supply chain security.

The strategy includes:

• a $250 million royalty deferral for new critical minerals projects
• actions to support exploration, production, responsible mining and skills development
• focus on priority markets including Japan, Korea and the EU.

Green technologies

Green technologies use data and digital tools to reduce emissions across industries. They include battery storage, energy efficiency, smart grids, hydrogen and electric vehicles.

NSW leads in battery and fuel cell innovation, with 40% of Australian businesses in this space based here. We also support research and commercialisation through initiatives like the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative and the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub.

The Hub connects researchers, industry and government to accelerate clean technology solutions. NSW’s strong R&D ecosystem is helping early-stage products become market-ready.

How Investment NSW can help

We offer free support to clean energy and tech businesses, including: 

• market intelligence and insights
• advice on NSW Government programs and approval processes
• connections with government and local business contacts
• help developing business cases
• identification of investment locations and potential partners
• coordination of familiarisation visits.

Get support

Ready to invest in NSW’s energy transition? Investment NSW can help.
Contact Investment NSW to speak with our team.