Renewable energy developers, storage proponents, network businesses and local communities have until 4 August to comment on a proposed access scheme that would determine how new projects connect to the Hunter Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
EnergyCo has released its Hunter Central Coast REZ Generation and Storage Consultation Paper following a request from the NSW Minister for Energy to develop and consult on a potential access scheme under the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020.
The consultation paper outlines options for coordinating renewable energy generation, storage and network infrastructure across the REZ, with feedback to help shape the next stage of policy development.
A public webinar will be held on 22 July from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm to explain the proposed approach and the consultation process. A recording will also be made available for stakeholders unable to attend. To register for the webinar, go here.
Managing how projects connect
The proposed access scheme is intended to manage how large scale renewable energy and storage projects connect to the electricity network within the REZ.
According to EnergyCo, an access scheme is a framework of rules that coordinates connections to ensure the network is used efficiently while avoiding overload.
As the consultation paper states, an access scheme is how EnergyCo plan to bring more renewable energy into the grid in a coordinated way.
EnergyCo is considering applying the scheme to parts of the existing electricity network alongside new infrastructure planned for the Hunter Central Coast REZ.
Two approaches under consideration
The consultation seeks feedback on two possible approaches.
The first combines an Access Rights Regime with an Access Control Mechanism. Under this model, projects connecting to parts of the network upgraded through the Hunter Central Coast Renewable Network Infrastructure Program would need to secure access rights through a competitive allocation process before applying for connection. Projects connecting elsewhere within the access scheme network would require EnergyCo’s consent.
The second option would rely solely on an Access Control Mechanism, requiring all eligible projects within the access scheme network to obtain EnergyCo approval before applying to connect. Unlike the Access Rights Regime, this approach would not place a fixed cap on approved generation and storage capacity.
EnergyCo notes that the Access Rights Regime is intended to provide greater certainty around network utilisation by limiting the amount of capacity able to connect, while the Access Control Mechanism provides more flexibility through an assessment based approval process.
Which projects would be covered?
The proposed scheme would apply to large scale generation and storage projects connecting at 132 kilovolts and above, including most transmission connected developments and major distribution infrastructure.
Smaller projects would generally be excluded, including wind and solar projects below 30 megawatts and battery energy storage systems below 5 megawatts.
The consultation paper also proposes excluding the Hunter Transmission Project, the section of New England REZ infrastructure located within the Hunter Central Coast REZ, existing connected projects and projects already well advanced in the connection process.
Projects that have executed government underwriting agreements, including Long Term Energy Service Agreements or Capacity Investment Scheme Agreements, before any future Access Scheme Declaration is published would also be exempt under the proposal.
Common expectations for project developers
Alongside determining how projects gain network access, the proposed scheme would establish common expectations for eligible developments.
Under the consultation proposal, participating projects would need to demonstrate best practice community and First Nations engagement, contribute access fees that include funding for community and employment purposes, coordinate construction impacts with other projects and meet ongoing reporting and accountability requirements.
EnergyCo says these requirements are intended to support coordinated development while providing certainty that projects connecting through the REZ meet consistent eligibility standards.
Consultation to shape the next stage
EnergyCo says feedback will help refine the proposed design before a draft access scheme and Policy Positions Paper are released for further consultation in the third quarter of 2026.
A final decision on whether an access scheme will be introduced, and the form it will take, is expected later in 2026.
For businesses developing renewable generation, large scale batteries and other storage projects in NSW, the consultation provides an opportunity to comment on the proposed connection framework before the detailed design is finalised.
