Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone Access Scheme

The Minster for Energy has requested EnergyCo to design, consult on and provide recommendations for a potential access scheme for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) under the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020 (EII Act).  

Access schemes determine how generation and storage projects connect to the electricity network in a renewable energy zone. They support better outcomes for communities, consumers and project proponents.

We're considering applying an access scheme to parts of the existing network, alongside new infrastructure planned for the REZ. 

As part of this work, we may use one or both of the following access scheme tools.

• Access rights regime: Projects must hold an ‘access right’ to connect to certain parts of the network (called the access rights network). This tool sets out how those access rights are allocated. 
• Access control mechanism: Projects must receive approval from EnergyCo, as the infrastructure planner, before connecting to certain parts of the network (called the access control network). This tool sets out the conditions projects must meet before approval is granted.

Generation and Storage Consultation Paper

In July 2026, EnergyCo published a Generation and Storage Consultation Paper to seek feedback on how generation and storage projects are connected and coordinated within the Hunter-Central Coast REZ. 

Public feedback on the Consultation Paper was open from 7 July – 25 August 2026.

We invited submissions from stakeholders, including renewable energy developers, industry, landholders, local communities and councils.  

This consultation is the first stage of a two-phase process to inform the design of the Hunter-Central Coast REZ access scheme. 

• Phase 1 is open to all. However, we expect most interest from generation and storage developers and related industry experts and impacted stakeholders. 
• Later in the year, we'll seek feedback on the proposed design of an access scheme for the Hunter-Central Coast REZ. We'll include all interested stakeholders and community members in that process.  

If you had difficulty meeting the deadline, please request an extension by emailing us at hunter-centralcoast.access@energyco.nsw.gov.au with ‘Your Name - Hunter-Central Coast REZ Generation and Storage Paper’ in the subject line.  

View the summary fact sheet

View the consultation paper

Watch the Hunter-Central Coast REZ Access Scheme webinar

On 22 July we hosted a public webinar for community and industry stakeholders. The session provided an overview of the Hunter-Central Coast REZ Generation and Storage Consultation Paper, the proposed access scheme, and opportunities to provide feedback on the coordination of renewable energy generation, storage and network infrastructure within the REZ.

Watch the recording