A NSW Bill extends the lifespan of development consents, empowers the government to overhaul the state's energy efficiency scheme, and establishes an exemption regime for its container deposit program.
An overhauled and rebadged NSW energy efficiency scheme will reward the use of biogas and hydrogen, as well as cuts to peak demand, and will form part of the state's new approach to energy security.
NSW is still committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, but the pandemic has prompted a rethink of how best to get there, according to NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean.
The federal-NSW energy and emissions deal includes $450 million to help heavy industry adopt low-emissions technology, money from the Climate Solutions Fund for NSW abatement projects, and a reverse auction for electric vehicle infrastructure.
As energy ministers meet in Perth today, NSW has unveiled an electricity strategy that will reduce peak demand and establish a new target to ensure it has sufficient supply.