NSW Rooftop Solar Surge: 8 GW by 2035

• Transgrid's 2025 report forecasts a solar surge, driving a deep transition in NSW's energy landscape, demanding innovative grid strategies and coordinated renewable scaling for a sustainable future.

Transgrid's 2025 Transmission Annual Planning Report predicts an 8 GW increase in rooftop solar across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory by 2035, as the state aims for 90% renewable energy. This surge will push minimum demand toward zero, necessitating a redesign of system operations. The report highlights the need for a portfolio approach, including fast-tracked transmission to Renewable Energy Zones, strategic utility-scale storage, and incentives for customer batteries and flexible loads like EV charging.

The shift in operational strategies includes expanding orchestration of distributed energy resources, refining inverter standards, and trialling local voltage control. Developers face challenges with higher rooftop penetration, requiring enhanced project siting and grid support capabilities. Transgrid emphasizes the importance of coordinated scaling of transmission, storage, and DER to achieve the renewable target without compromising reliability. The next two years are critical, marking a "deep transition" phase where planning errors could be costly.

How will Transgrid manage the challenges of increased rooftop solar in New South Wales?

• Implement advanced grid management technologies to handle fluctuations in solar energy production.
  
• Enhance grid infrastructure to accommodate increased distributed energy resources (DERs).
  
• Develop and deploy smart grid solutions to improve real-time monitoring and control.
  
• Collaborate with energy retailers and consumers to optimize energy usage and storage.
  
• Invest in research and development for innovative energy storage solutions.
  
• Strengthen partnerships with local governments and communities to support energy transition initiatives.
  
• Provide incentives for the adoption of smart inverters and other grid-supportive technologies.
  
• Conduct pilot programs to test new technologies and strategies for integrating rooftop solar.
  
• Increase public awareness and education on the benefits and challenges of renewable energy integration.
  
• Monitor and adapt regulatory frameworks to support the evolving energy landscape.