October project update
View our latest project update for details on how community feedback has helped shape the study corridor, the latest planning milestone for the project, and a summary of engagement across the project area to date.
About the network infrastructure project
The New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) will be serviced by new network infrastructure, including transmission lines, energy hubs and enabling infrastructure which will transfer power generated by solar, wind and storage projects to electricity consumers. This infrastructure will be critical for the successful operation of the REZ. EnergyCo is leading the development of the REZ transmission network infrastructure as the Infrastructure Planner for the REZs in NSW.
Some of this infrastructure will need to be built outside the New England REZ geographical area to connect the REZ to the main backbone transmission network. EnergyCo is in the early stages of assessing what new network infrastructure should be built to unlock and service the New England REZ.
Applications open for community reference group
Applications are now open for EnergyCo’s community reference group for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) network infrastructure project.
Two community reference groups will be established for the project to represent communities in the REZ as well as communities between the REZ and Bayswater in the south, near Muswellbrook.
The groups will provide an open forum for discussion between EnergyCo, the community and key stakeholders about the REZ network infrastructure project and broader REZ issues.
EnergyCo is looking for a mix of people who live locally, have interests in the project and are passionate about shaping the future of renewable energy infrastructure in their community.
To apply please review and complete and return the following documents to [email protected]:
Applications are open until 5pm on 8 November 2024.
Scoping report available to view
The New England REZ has reached an important milestone with the release of a scoping report for the REZ network infrastructure project. EnergyCo lodged the scoping report with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in July 2024 and it is now available to view on the NSW Major Projects Planning Portal here.
To view the preferred study corridor for the project, see our interactive map.
We have developed a number of fact sheets to help the community better understand the work we are carrying out to develop the REZ network infrastructure project. These include key topics like environmental assessments, route selection, and the planning approval pathway. The fact sheets and other resources can be viewed on our project documents page.
Next steps
The New England REZ network infrastructure project has been declared a critical state significant infrastructure (CSSI) project by the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces as it considered ‘essential for the State for economic, environmental or social reasons’.
Under the NSW Environment Planning and Assessment ACT 1979, CSSI applications must be approved by the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces following a comprehensive assessment process. The includes extensive community consultation and the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
EnergyCo is committed to long-term ongoing engagement with the community as we develop the New England REZ.
Work to develop the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the REZ network infrastructure project will continue throughout 2024 and 2025. During this time, we will continue carrying out field investigations and consultation with landowners and communities to refine the transmission corridor and assess its impacts.
We expect to lodge the EIS with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for public exhibition and assessment in late 2025. During the EIS exhibition period, communities and stakeholders will be able to make formal submissions on the merits of the project. All submissions will be considered and responded to in a submission report.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the New England REZ or would like to provide feedback, please contact us at any time:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 1800 061 114 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)