New authority to fast-track major energy and technology investments in NSW
EOIs are now open for the first round of projects to be considered by the NSW Government’s new Investment Delivery Authority (IDA), which was created to make it easier for businesses and investors to deliver large projects in the state by cutting red tape and coordinating work across government.
The NSW Government has launched the Investment Delivery Authority and opened the first round of Expressions of Interest for large-scale energy and technology projects, setting an eligibility threshold of at least $1 billion per development.
The opening call for EOIs is focused on data centres, renewable energy, and energy security. Eligible projects must be located in NSW. Applications will remain open for four weeks, closing on Monday 27 October 2025.
How the IDA will work
The IDA is modelled on the Housing Delivery Authority and will provide advice on navigating the planning system while evaluating projects for fast-track assessment. A dedicated planning assessment team within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will support endorsed projects, along with a multi-agency Investment Taskforce based in the Premier’s Department.
Around 30 large projects a year are expected to be supported, with the potential to bring forward up to $50 billion of investment. The authority was announced in the 2025–26 NSW Budget, which allocated $17.7 million to establish and operate the initiative.
Ministerial perspectives
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said NSW already has a strong track record in high-value businesses.
“17 of Australia’s tech unicorns - billion-dollar companies - are based here in NSW. These businesses are the engines of jobs and growth.”
“Supporting innovative businesses to scale is one of the greatest opportunities we have to improve the productivity and sustainability of the NSW economy. The Investment Delivery Authority is the vehicle to foster that growth – cutting red tape to boost productivity and jobs," Mookhey added.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the authority will help anticipate the needs of major developments earlier in the process.
“We want to attract major investment to NSW, so we have created this new mechanism to systematically identify major projects and their associated land use before they enter the planning system,” he said.
Next steps
Businesses and investors can now submit their EOIs online. The NSW Government has confirmed that future rounds will expand to other industries, with timing to be advised.
