The Forestry Corporation is planning to establish renewable energy infrastructure on its NSW State-owned softwood plantation sites, with the goal of helping NSW meet its net zero commitment and maintain sustainable forest management.
Proponent selection is targeted for early 2023, with construction to commence in 2026. In addition to driving renewable timber production and supplying regional communities with clean energy, these renewable energy sites will provide jobs, supply contracts and better fire management resourcing.
The Forestry Corporation is seeking market input on the best size and type of renewable energy projects, the ideal location for these projects and market interest for each site.
The Process
| Phases | Response |
| Registration of Interest (ROI) | Register your interest by 5pm AEST, Friday 6 May 2022 using this form. |
| Expression of Interest (EOI) | Competitive open invitation process for proponents to respond to selection criteria.
Successful proponents will be shortlisted for participation in a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) Expected to open Q2 2022 |
| Request for Proposal (RFP) | Competitive process for shortlisted developers to submit a proposal for development
RFP expected to open Q4 2022 to shortlisted EOI participants |
| Proponent selection | Following RFP, proposals will be evaluated based on a multi-criteria assessment in which price is only one element of offers to be evaluated
Preferred party will be selected on a site by site basis. Multiple developers may be selected to undertake developments in different sites Proponent(s) targeted for selection in early 2023 |
| Post selection | Selected parties will be granted a development permit to progress with project |
More information on the program can be obtained here.
Please reach out to Matt Baumgurtel or Adriaan van der Merwe if you would like to know more.
Matt Baumgurtel is the New Energy lead at Hamilton Locke.
Adriaan van der Merwe is a senior associate in Hamilton Locke’s New Energy team.
Megan Chau is a graduate in the Hamilton Locke New Energy team.
