Energy Transition and the Northern Rivers

The energy transition is increasingly being delivered in regional New South Wales. In the Northern Rivers, it is already influencing energy affordability, reliability, land use, business confidence and community resilience. Changes to how energy is generated, transmitted and priced are no longer abstract policy settings; they are affecting operating costs, investment decisions and risk for businesses across the regional economy.

This session provides a practical, region-focused discussion on what the NSW energy transition means for the Northern Rivers economy, local businesses and communities. It focuses on real-world impacts, emerging opportunities and the role of business and regional leadership in shaping outcomes.

Why energy matters for the Northern Rivers

Energy has moved from a background utility to a core business input. Energy costs, reliability and resilience now sit alongside labour, housing and transport as key determinants of business competitiveness and viability. In a region exposed to extreme weather events and network disruption, reliable and affordable energy underpins productivity, investment confidence and economic stability.

The energy transition and local implications

New South Wales is undergoing a major transformation of its energy system. Coal-fired generation is progressively exiting, electricity demand is rising as transport, buildings and business processes electrify, and the system is shifting toward renewable generation supported by storage and firming. Most of the infrastructure required to support this transition is being delivered in regional NSW, placing regions such as the Northern Rivers at the centre of change.

While the direction of travel is clear, delivery at a local level is more complex. The Northern Rivers is a renewables-rich region with strong community interest, but it is also network-constrained and sensitive to land-use and environmental impacts. Network capacity, planning processes, connection timeframes and community engagement will influence energy costs, reliability and business confidence.

Impacts, opportunities and leadership

Energy costs, reliability and uncertainty increasingly shape business investment, expansion and hiring decisions. Poorly sequenced or coordinated delivery can increase costs, disrupt operations and delay investment. At the same time, the transition presents opportunities, including lower long-term energy costs, new jobs and skills pathways, growth in electrification and energy services, community energy models and improved business resilience.

Regional leadership will be critical in shaping these outcomes. Local leaders can influence how the transition is delivered through place-based planning, early community engagement, advocacy for enabling infrastructure and support for business readiness. Collaboration between business, community and government will be essential to ensure the energy transition strengthens the Northern Rivers economy.

TBC