Electrification and the energy transition
The NSW Government’s Net Zero Plan update identified that Greater Sydney alone is responsible for 38% of NSW’s greenhouse gas emissions.
With Sydney’s energy demand almost half of NSW total demand, realising our region’s renewable energy potential will be a critical step in reducing energy related emissions.
Resilient Sydney’s technical risk assessment and stakeholder engagement across the region, confirms electrification as an important step f towards energy resilience and net zero. Electrification needs to be accelerated along with efficiency upgrades, improved access to local renewables and smart load management to move us towards a more sustainable interactive grid.
From a resilience perspective, it is essential that the ongoing energy transition delivers an equitable and affordable energy system that empowers and benefits communities across Greater Sydney, including vulnerable communities, renters and people living in apartments.
Local government supporting communities to electrify, reduce bills and participate in the energy transition
Local councils have a strong understanding of their LGAs, and are very effective communicators helping their residents and businesses understand their options to use energy more efficiently, install solar or heat pumps, and reduce their energy bills.
Twenty-two Greater Sydney councils have committed to a net zero target and are supporting local communities to take action at home, school and work to reduce emissions and create healthier, more liveable neighbourhoods. Council initiatives include rebates and grants, free home energy assessments or solar feasibility assessments, and webinars.
The Resilient Sydney electrification toolkit
The Resilient Sydney electrification toolkit captures the latest key grants for local governments and their communities to electrify, as well as information, fact sheets, and links to Communities of Practice that can accelerate our region’s transition to cleaner, cheaper energy.
Sydney as a renewable energy zone
Resilient Sydney advocates for Greater Sydney to become a Renewable Energy Zone, in line with Committee for Sydney’s June 2025 report. Sydney’s energy demand is almost half of NSW’s total demand, yet Regional Renewable Energy Zones are doing the heavy lifting. Committee for Sydney’s report explores how our region could transform itself as a metropolis of energy equity and affordability.
Smart, local energy generation and storage is essential to ensure we are not building renewable transmission infrastructure that we do not need. With the right coordination and collaboration, Greater Sydney has an incredible opportunity to do its part in the renewable energy transition. Committee for Sydney’s report shows how Greater Sydney could meet up to 75% of its own energy needs, mapping out a pathway for our region to be more energy sufficient, with a future-proofed grid that delivers the benefits and flexibility of a renewable powered energy system.
Why it matters:
- Reduces urban heat and emissions simultaneously
- Improves energy resilience during heatwaves
- Supports electrification and distributed energy
- Delivers affordability and equity outcomes across communities
Resilient Sydney Strategy 2025-2030 supports the concept of Greater Sydney as a renewable energy zone. The key steps towards making this vision happen would include multi-sectoral and cross government co-design, and State Government commitment to
- Designate Greater Sydney as a Renewable Energy Zone in policy and legislation
- Establish a Government- led multi –sectoral taskforce to coordinate delivery
