NSW Government partners with Transgrid to advance the Hunter Transmission Project
The NSW Government has reached a major milestone in the development of the Hunter Transmission Project, with EnergyCo signing a commitment deed with Transgrid as preferred network operator.
The Hunter Transmission Project is critical for NSW’s energy security, involving a new high-voltage power line that will transport affordable and reliable electricity from the state’s largest renewable energy zones to homes and businesses across NSW.
The agreement sets out Transgrid’s commitment to deliver, operate and maintain the project. It will work with EnergyCo as the project is developed and as design and construction contractors are procured.
The project will be delivered with a Hunter-first policy. Opportunities will be created to build on the Hunter region’s diverse economic skill base and grow local jobs.
Around 700 people will be needed during construction including labourers, engineers and electricians.
The Hunter Transmission Project involves building a new above-ground 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line of around 100 kilometres between Bayswater in the Upper Hunter and Olney in the Lower Hunter to connect the existing 500 kV transmission lines already operated by Transgrid.
This will help create a 500 kV ring of transmission infrastructure that will provide the backbone of the state’s electricity grid for generations to come.
The appointment of Transgrid as network operator remains subject to execution of a final delivery contract between EnergyCo and Transgrid, award of design and construct packages and other necessary approvals for the Project.
EnergyCo has shortlisted seven contractors for two key work packages as part of the Hunter Transmission Project. The packages include:
Transmission line package
- Acciona Genus Joint Venture
- Downer Utilities Australia Pty Ltd
- Gamuda Seymour Whyte Joint Venture
- UGL Engineering CPB Contractors Joint Venture
Substation package
- Acciona Genus Joint Venture
- Consolidated Power Projects Australia Pty Ltd
- UGL Engineering Pty Ltd
EnergyCo is finalising the tender documents to be issued to shortlisted contractors. EnergyCo will continue engaging closely with the community, industry, local government and other stakeholders as the planning of the project progresses.
Quotes attributable to Energy Co Chief Executive Hannah McCaughey:
“The Hunter Transmission Project is critical and must be delivered to unlock reliable energy supply to power the state.
“The commitment deed is a significant milestone that allows EnergyCo and Transgrid to work collaboratively on project planning and approvals.
“By creating a new 500 kV transmission line and connecting it to existing infrastructure, the HTP will form the backbone of NSW’s future electricity grid. This will enable the Hunter region to play a key role in our renewable energy future while driving economic growth.
“The announcement of seven shortlisted tenderers for the project marks a significant milestone in delivering critical infrastructure to secure NSW’s energy needs.”
Quotes attributable to Transgrid CEO Brett Redman:
“The Hunter Transmission Project is one of the state’s most critical energy projects, unlocking generation from new renewable energy zones and helping to provide energy security for the state as coal-fired power stations retire.
“We welcome EnergyCo’s vote of confidence in Transgrid as it plans this critical transmission link, which will help accelerate the clean energy transition and provide access to cleaner and cheaper energy to households and businesses.
“The Hunter has been at the heart of our energy industry for decades and we look forward to continuing to work with the local community as the region continues to play an important role in the state’s clean energy transition.”