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 transmission 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 transmission lines between Kurri Kurri and Muswellbrook. Below are diagrams showing indicative pole structures.

Planning update – Review of Environmental Factors

As part of the planning process, a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for these works will be on public exhibition from 29 April to 9 June 2025.
The Review of Environmental Factors considers potential environmental impacts of the proposal and the measures to reduce these.

Some of the themes covered in the REF include:

• Air and water quality
• Aboriginal heritage
• Biodiversity
• Hazard and risks
• Geology and soil
• Noise and vibration
• Visual amenity
• Traffic and access
• Social and economic impacts

The proposed works are being assessed and determined by Ausgrid.

Community members are invited to submit feedback on the proposal directly to Ausgrid.

The REF will be available to download from this site from 29 April until 9 June 2025.

Hear more about the project

We will be hosting information sessions throughout the REF period. Community members are invited to attend the sessions below to learn more about the project.

Webinars

Monday 19 May 2025
6.30pm - 7:15pm -Register here to attend.

Tuesday 20 May 2025
12.30pm - 1:15pm-Register here to attend.

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

Drop in sessions

Friday 2 - Sunday 4 May
Tocal Field Days at Tocal Agricultural College

Thursday 15 May 2025
Singleton Library, between 4pm - 6pm

Wednesday 21 May 2025
Muswellbrook Library, between 4pm - 6pm

Thursday 22 May 2025
Branxton Community Hall, between 4pm - 6pm

Sunday 25 May 2025
Valley Markets Townhead Park Singleton, between 9am - 1pm

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