EnergyCo has released the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Network Infrastructure Project, providing further details of the proposed transmission network connecting renewable energy generation and storage projects to the existing electricity grid.
Released for public exhibition on 15 October, the EIS examines the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of the infrastructure and outlines measures proposed to avoid, minimise or manage them.
The project includes new dual 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines connecting the New England REZ to existing electricity infrastructure at Bayswater Power Station near Muswellbrook, along with new energy hubs and supporting transmission infrastructure.
Centred around Armidale, the New England REZ is designed to provide an initial network capacity of 6 gigawatts (GW), delivered in two stages, with potential expansion to 8 GW by 2034.
The network is being developed to connect new renewable energy generation and storage capacity to the NSW electricity system as ageing coal-fired power stations retire.
Implications for the Upper Hunter
Although much of the proposed infrastructure is located in New England, the connection to Bayswater makes the Upper Hunter an important part of the project.
The transmission network would link renewable energy projects in New England with existing electricity infrastructure near Muswellbrook, with potential impacts on landholders, agricultural activities, biodiversity and local communities along the proposed corridor.
EnergyCo says it has already modified the transmission corridor following consultation, reducing the number of directly affected landowners and dwellings within 500 metres of the corridor.
Changes have also been made to avoid environmentally sensitive areas at Timor Caves and near Barry.
The EIS provides an opportunity for affected communities to examine the proposed route, environmental assessments and measures intended to manage the impacts of construction and operation.
The proposed infrastructure has not yet received planning approval, and the EIS consultation process provides an opportunity for further community feedback before planning decisions are made.
Upper Hunter consultation sessions
EnergyCo is holding community information sessions across New England and the Upper Hunter during the exhibition period, giving residents and landholders an opportunity to speak with project specialists and ask questions about the EIS.
Three sessions are scheduled for the Upper Hunter:
- Rouchel: Wednesday 4 November, 3–6 pm, Rouchel School of Arts Hall.
- Scone: Thursday 5 November, 3–6 pm, Scone Motor Inn Conference Centre.
- Muswellbrook: Friday 6 November, 11 am–2 pm, Muswellbrook Library Seminar Room.
EnergyCo is also providing online information sessions to help communities understand the project and its potential impacts.
Details of consultation activities and supporting information are available through EnergyCo’s New England REZ EIS webpage.
How to have a say
The EIS is on public exhibition from 15 October until 12 November 2026.
Community members, landholders, businesses and other interested parties can review the environmental studies and supporting documents before making a formal submission through the NSW Planning Portal.
Following the exhibition period, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will provide submissions to EnergyCo for review and consideration.
EnergyCo will then prepare a Submissions Report responding to the issues raised. The report will be made publicly available through the NSW Planning Portal and EnergyCo’s website.
The EIS and subsequent submissions process will inform the project’s planning assessment. If approved, the infrastructure would be built and operated in accordance with the applicable plans, mitigation measures and conditions of approval.
