An ambitious NSW government renewable energy plan, intended to plug the hole in the state’s power supply left behind by four retiring coal-fired power stations, will require an investment of more than $10.6 billion in new poles and wires infrastructure, according to new department data.

Energy Minister Penny Sharpe has committed to a Renewable Energy Zone and transmission project plan unveiled by the previous government and a blueprint for five clean energy hubs and two new big transmission projects across the state generating 15.5 gigawatts of energy.