Innovation

New England Connection Capacity Auction

Past project

About

Lumea piloted a world-first renewable energy capacity auction using a new commercial development model for collaborative renewable energy development. 

The project sought to minimise costs to generators through providing fit-for-purpose infrastructure, essential asset and support policies, as well as grid stability for four renewable energy generation projects in the New England region. 

While NECCA unequivocally confirmed that there is merit in capital funded development, the NECCA project was developed in 2019, prior to the NSW Government's Energy Roadmap. The roadmap, along with various regulatory and policy shifts made since the commencement mean that there are now many more possibilities to drive the transition to renewable energy.

Lumea's focus remains on providing solutions to accelerate the energy transition. This will be done through the NSW Energy Roadmap and associated opportunities, and therefore the proposed New England Transmission Infrastructure (NETI) project will not move forward. 

A number of companies are exploring individual and collective arrangements to progress their projects in the area.

Lumea is delighted to have laid the foundations for our customers to take elements of the NETI project forward, and will continue to service and support our customers’ future projects in the area.

This project received funding from ARENA for the initial market engagement phase as part of ARENA’s Advancing Renewables Program.

Why the project was developed

The Australian electricity system is in transition to renewable energy, including solar, wind and hydroelectricity.

The generation transition will require significant upgrades and expansion of the existing transmission network to enable more new generation to connect in locations where renewable energy resources are strongest, including the New England region.In addition, the expected closure of the Liddell Power Plant in 2023 is underpinning the need for new generation in NSW.

Government, regulators and private sector renewable energy companies are seeking innovative ways to deliver renewable energy to secure affordable and reliable electricity.

The development of the NECCA is the first step in private sector action to enable infrastructure for collaborative renewable energy development.

Community and stakeholders

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like more information please send the community team a message.

Contact the Community Team

Contact us

For more information or to receive regular updates on the NECCA, please send us a message.