The Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) has cleared a major hurdle, with planning approval now in place for upgrades to the electricity network across the region.
The project is the first of its kind in Australia to rely on upgrades to existing distribution poles and wires rather than building an entirely new network. This approach is intended to reduce community and environmental impacts while speeding up delivery.
“Upgrading existing distribution poles and wires allows us to minimise the impact on communities and the environment, and speeds up the delivery of this critical infrastructure,” Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said.
The network works will deliver around one gigawatt of transfer capacity through improvements to current lines and the construction of two new substations. The REZ stretches from the Upper Hunter to the Central Coast, covering Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens.
Planning approval followed public exhibition of the Review of Environmental Factors and an assessment of feedback from councils, government agencies, businesses and residents. The review found that the project’s environmental impact would be relatively low because most of the work will take place within existing easements.
Ausgrid has committed to respond to community feedback, with a focus on job creation, support for local businesses, procurement opportunities, visual amenity, traffic management and ongoing engagement. The construction phase is expected to create about 590 direct jobs per year across roles such as engineers, electricians and labourers. First Nations business participation and skills training are also priorities.
“Fast-tracking the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone is about more than just new poles and substations, it’s about delivering affordable, long-lasting energy while creating good jobs, supporting local businesses and protecting our communities and environment,” said Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley.
“By upgrading existing infrastructure, we’re minimising disruption, maximising benefits and ensuring our local communities are at the heart of the state’s renewable transformation.”
The project still requires final approval from the Australian Energy Regulator before construction can begin.
Once built, the REZ will contribute to NSW’s renewable energy goals, with current projects already moving the state more than two-thirds of the way towards the 2030 renewable generation target and about 40 per cent towards the storage goal.
