Latest NSW Roadmap tender secures two firming projects to deliver electricity when needed most

15 May 2026

ASL has announced the successful outcome of NSW Roadmap Tender 7 for Firming Infrastructure, securing two additional projects to strengthen electricity supply and maintain reliability for NSW consumers during periods of peak demand and system stress.

The tender was delivered following a direction from the NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy to secure an indicative 500 MW of firming capacity to address a forecast shortfall in summer 2027-28. It prioritised projects capable of supporting the Sydney-Newcastle-Wollongong region, where electricity demand is increasing due to electrification and new industrial demand.

The two successful projects – comprising one battery energy storage system and one virtual power plant – have been awarded Long-Term Energy Service Agreements (LTESAs). Together, the projects will deliver 532 MW (2,128 MWh) of firming capacity and are contracted to be operational by the end of November 2027, helping ensure electricity is available during periods with a tight supply/demand balance, supporting the needs of NSW households and businesses.

These projects add to the existing portfolio of firming infrastructure secured under Tender 2. Together with the ~1 GW of firming already under contract, Tender 7 increases the total firming capacity contracted under the Roadmap to over 1.5 GW, strengthening the system’s ability to respond during periods of peak demand and system stress.

Under the terms of the LTESA, all firming projects are required to support the grid during Lack of Reserve (LOR) events, which occur when the available electricity supply is at high risk of not meeting, or is not meeting, demand. These contractual obligations ensure the projects deliver electricity when the system needs it most, strengthening reliability and helping to protect consumers. 

ASL is preparing to run another tender for more firming infrastructure in late 2026 or early 2027, targeting projects that can be operational by 2033-34. Two additional NSW Roadmap tenders will commence in May this year, seeking 2.5 GW of generation projects and 12 GWh of long duration storage projects.

Quotes attributed to Nevenka Codevelle, CEO, ASL

“The tender attracted strong competition from projects capable of supporting the Sydney-Newcastle-Wollongong region, with two projects ultimately successful in demonstrating value for NSW electricity customers”

“A key benefit of these contracts is they require projects to support the system when consumers need them most, with performance obligations that require projects to make capacity available during Lack of Reserve 2 and 3 events. Each project’s ability to support the system during these times of need was an important consideration in the tender”

“We are looking forward to conducting an additional firming tender later this year or early next year on top of launching LTESA tenders for generation and long duration storage projects later this month”.

 

-ENDS-

 

Successful projects

 

For more information

ASL Media I M 0403 706 438 I E [email protected]