As NSW transitions towards net zero two new battery storage facilities will be built to help supply power to more than 100,000 homes in the Central West and Upper Hunter.
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Energy Minister Penny Sharpe says the projects will be built at Apsley and Muswellbrook, in two of the state's designated Renewable Energy Zones.
The cutting-edge technology will capture, store and distribute energy during peak power consumption times and provide backup during outages or extreme weather events.
"Giving these batteries the green light will play a critical role in securing reliable, renewable energy across NSW," Ms Sharpe said on Wednesday.
"The transformation of our energy system needs to occur as soon as possible.
"Batteries are not only critical to supporting our state's transition to net zero, they will assist us to get there sooner."
The projects involve building and operating 120-megawatt and 150-megawatt battery storage systems which will connect to the existing electricity network.
The projects will create 132 jobs, inject $280 million into the NSW economy and help maintain energy reliability.
Ms Sharpe says Renewable Energy Zones are the power plants of the future and will support new jobs and business opportunities during construction and operation in regional areas.
There are 27 large-scale renewable energy, transmission lines and storage projects under assessment in the NSW planning system.
If approved, they will provide nine gigawatts of renewable energy and 5.5 megawatts of firming storage.
The battery is expected to be operational towards the end of 2025 and has a lifespan of 20 years.
Australian Associated Press
