What is the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone?

Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) are the modern-day equivalent of traditional power stations. They combine renewable energy generation, storage capabilities and subtransmission infrastructure, at scale to ensure a clean, affordable, and reliable energy system for homes, schools, hospitals, businesses and industry across NSW. REZs will strengthen Australia’s power system as the country transitions to a low-carbon future.

The Hunter and Central Coast regions have unique features which make them ideal locations for a REZ. These regions have excellent renewable energy resources and the ability to utilise existing power stations, rehabilitated mining land, electricity network infrastructure, port and transport infrastructure, and a skilled workforce.

The Hunter-Central Coast REZ was declared on 9 December 2022 and sets out the intended network capacity for network infrastructure in the Hunter-Central Coast REZ of 1 gigawatt.

Ausgrid’s role

Following a competitive tender process, Ausgrid was selected by EnergyCo as the preferred network operator to deliver the critical network infrastructure works required to support the HCC REZ.

Ausgrid’s proposed infrastructure includes two new substations, a major upgrade on two existing substations, a minor upgrade of other substations, and upgrading of approximately 85km of existing powerline lines.

The benefits of Ausgrid’s solution

The Hunter-Central Coast REZ Infrastructure will be mainly built where there is existing Ausgrid infrastructure. In some cases there may be a need to expand easements or obtain new easements. The aim is to minimise impact on communities, landowners and the environment.

Project Timeline

The timeline below provides an overview of the project and community engagement stages.

After considering and addressing feedback from the community and further planning, Ausgrid will conduct ground investigations along the preferred route.

Once this is finished we will refine the route as required for environmental assessment.

What will the new infrastructure look like?

Ausgrid would replace approximately 85km of existing subtransmission lines between Kurri Kurri and Muswellbrook. Below are diagrams showing indicative pole structures.

Planning update – Review of Environmental Factors

The submission period for the Review of Environmental Factors exhibition has now closed. We appreciate the submissions received and will proceed with the review process. Further updates will be provided in due course.

Webinars

In the webinar sessions in February, questions were asked of the project team. Responses to those questions are available here.

Our introductory and REF webinars are available for viewing under the video gallery section.

Contact us

Contact our project team for more information.

• Phone:1800 955 635- Monday to Friday 9am to 4.00pm
• Email: HCCREZ@ausgrid.com.au
• Mail: Ausgrid HCC REZ Team, GPO Box 4009 Sydney NSW 2001