Investment Delivery Authority Renewable Energy Case Study

These hypothetical case studies are provided to help proponents better understand how the Investment Delivery Authority (IDA) process can support complex, high-value projects.  

These examples offer practical insights into how early coordination, strategic facilitation, and multi-agency engagement can help unlock delivery, reduce delays, and support proponents in navigating planning and infrastructure challenges.

Project overview

Proposal for a large-scale wind energy project located outside a designated Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). The project has been awarded an LTESA. Expected to generate over 800 MW of clean energy and create 600 construction jobs. Includes wind turbines, battery energy storage system (BESS), and transmission infrastructure, with estimated capital investment of $3.5 billion. Strategically located to support NSW’s energy transition and regional economic development.

Examples of potential barriers, delays or issues

• Road upgrades and intersection designs may not be scoped early, creating uncertainty around access for oversize/overmass (OSOM) vehicles and construction traffic
• Transmission infrastructure delivery may not align with project timelines, creating uncertainty around sequencing and responsibility
• Other challenges could include issues such as bushfire risk mitigation, emergency response coordination, biodiversity assessment and community sensitivities about visual impact, noise or land use compatibility in adjacent areas.

How IDA and NSW Government agencies could assist

• Facilitate early coordination between Transport for NSW, EnergyCo, councils, and other NSW Government agencies to resolve infrastructure and planning alignment, drawing on lessons learned from the Housing Delivery Authority
• Provide early intelligence to and engagement with agencies to support resolution of issues such as bushfire mitigation planning and biodiversity assessment
• Support identification and investigation of servicing (roads, water or wastewater / trade water) or construction challenges that may impact post-consent development timeframes
• Investigate opportunities to reprioritise existing servicing and infrastructure plans where appropriate.

Why IDA support may be appropriate

• High-value renewable energy infrastructure project with strong alignment to NSW’s energy transition goals
• Located within a declared REZ with potential for regional economic uplift
• Complex multi-agency interfaces and infrastructure dependencies
• Issues are significant but not insurmountable — early facilitation could unlock delivery faster.