The NSW Government has opened expressions of interest (EOI) for the role of network operator in the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), which is planned to be the largest of its kind in the state. The project aims to upgrade the electricity grid and enable more clean energy to reach households and businesses across NSW.
The chosen network operator will be responsible for designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining the transmission infrastructure, including energy hubs that will connect new solar and wind projects in the region to the broader network.
The New England REZ, centred around Armidale, is located near existing transmission corridors that link to the NSW coast, the Upper Hunter and into Queensland. These connections are expected to help improve the state’s energy reliability and support the shift towards renewable sources.
The project is expected to be delivered in two stages, with the first providing 2.4 gigawatts of capacity by 2032, followed by a second stage that will increase this to 6 gigawatts by 2034. The large-scale transmission upgrades will also bring local economic benefits, including an estimated 6,000 construction jobs.
EnergyCo is seeking a partner with a strong record in high voltage transmission who can also demonstrate a commitment to working closely with communities over the long term. This includes building relationships with landowners, collaborating with local councils, creating opportunities for First Nations people, and supporting regional supply chains.
According to EnergyCo CEO Hannah McCaughey, the goal is to ensure the infrastructure is delivered responsibly and in a way that benefits both energy users and people living and working in the region.
“This is about building a reliable energy system with the right infrastructure in the right place at the right time so we can keep the lights on,” McCaughey said.
The process has already attracted strong interest, with 19 parties invited to take part in the EOI phase after initial registrations were received in March this year.
“We are pleased to have had really strong market interest in the network operator package which will ensure we can get on with the job and meet our delivery timeframes,” said New England REZ Project Director, Doug Parris.
EOIs close on 25 June 2025, and shortlisted applicants will be announced in the third quarter of the year. These applicants will then be invited to submit detailed proposals during a formal tender process expected to run through 2025 and 2026. The final appointment of the network operator is planned for 2027, with construction to begin afterwards, subject to approvals.
