EnergyCo and Ausgrid committed to delivering Hunter-Central Coast REZ
The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) has signed a commitment deed with Ausgrid to deliver the network infrastructure needed for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
Ausgrid was selected as the preferred network operator following a competitive tender process. The project scope includes upgrades to the existing network infrastructure to deliver an additional 1 gigawatt of network transfer capacity in the Hunter-Central Coast REZ.
This will bring economic benefits to the region and we will work with communities to minimise impacts and maximise benefits for local communities such as more jobs, opportunities for local businesses and potential new industries for the area.
The commitment deed confirms that Ausgrid will be responsible for financing, designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining the Hunter-Central Coast REZ network infrastructure.
Ausgrid's proposal predominantly includes upgrades to existing infrastructure which significantly reduces impacts on surrounding communities and environment.
The Hunter-Central Coast REZ will ensure the region plays a key role in the state’s renewable energy future, powering existing industries and emerging technology in green hydrogen, ammonia and metal production, offshore wind, electric vehicle fleet operators and electrification of industrial processes.
EnergyCo will continue to engage closely with the local community, industry, local government and other stakeholders as the design and delivery of the REZ progresses.
What works will be undertaken by Ausgrid to upgrade the electricity network?
The Hunter-Central Coast REZ infrastructure will be mainly built on existing powerline easements where possible. In some cases, there may be a need to expand easements or obtain new easements.
Ausgrid’s solution involves augmentation of their electricity network in the Hunter region (between Kurri Kurri and Muswellbrook) to provide this additional network transfer capacity by 2028.
Work includes:
- upgrading approximately 85km sub-transmission lines
- construct 18km of new underground fibre optic in the Upper Hunter
- building two new energy hubs (substations)
- augmenting several existing energy hubs (substations), and
augmenting underground fibre optic circuits in the Upper Hunter region.
The planning and project approval process
Ausgrid is the approving authority for the work under the NSW Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.
As part of the approval process, Ausgrid will prepare an environmental assessment known as a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) to assess the potential environmental impacts of the project.
The REF will be placed on exhibition at several locations and the community will be invited to make submissions. The community along the preferred cable route will receive a newsletter in the next few months with further details about this process.
Following the REF exhibition, Ausgrid will review all submissions and prepare a summary report. The project will then be determined for approval based on the information contained in the REF.
Ausgrid will collate and consider the submissions received during the public display of the REF and prepare a submission report. The final alignment of the network infrastructure will incorporate detailed investigations to address specific landholder feedback, resolve potential constructability issues, and maximise consideration of environmental impacts. The community will be updated as the project progresses.
Key Dates:
Early 2025 – mid 2025
- Community and stakeholder feedback
Commence detailed design
Ongoing site investigations
Mid 2025
- Review of Environmental Factors (REF) on public display
- Refine design
Mid-late 2025
Detailed design and early works
Early 2026
Start of sub-transmission line and substation construction works
2028
Commission and move into operation and maintenance phase