The development of the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) has been granted planning approval, taking it a step closer to providing a reliable and affordable energy system across the region.
The New South Wales Government is fast-tracking the State’s first REZ, aiming to upgrade existing grid infrastructure such as distribution poles and wires. This approach will help reduce the impact on communities and the environment.
“Planning approval for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone project is further evidence of progress on a key upgrade that will help the lights on as coal-fired power plants retire.
“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.
“This important milestone in the development of the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone project is good news for communities in the Central Coast and Hunter.
“The REZ will help ensure a reliable and sustainable energy future for our regions,” Minister for Central Coast David Harris said.
The Hunter-Central Coast REZ development is proposed to include:
The network infrastructure upgrades will run from Kurri Kurri to Muswellbrook, and it will enable about 1GW of network transfer capacity.
“The Hunter-Central Coast region has always been a powerhouse for industry and innovation and now it’s taking a bold step forward into the clean energy future.
“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.
“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,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.
Projects such as the Hunter-Central Coast REZ are key to the State Government’s energy plan. Currently, about 36 per cent of New South Wales’ electricity comes from renewable sources.
Full planning approval was granted following the exhibition of the Review of Environmental Factors as well as a review of submissions by councils, state authorities, businesses and individuals.
With most of the works proposed to take place on existing easements, the Hunter-Central Coast REZ network infrastructure was assessed to have a relatively low environmental impact.
Ausgrid is partnering with EnergyCo to deliver the network infrastructure upgrades. Ausgrid is committed to addressing the feedback on the Review of Environmental Factors, which included priorities like jobs, support for local businesses and procurement, protection of visual amenity and environment, community benefits, effective traffic management and ongoing community engagement.
This REZ development is anticipated to create an average of about 590 direct jobs annually in the local area during its construction phase. Opportunities include roles for engineers, electricians and labourers. Ausgrid is committed to prioritising jobs and skills training, local procurement and Aboriginal business participation.
The Hunter-Central Coast RES development is now subject to final approvals from the Australian Energy Regulator.
This project, however, is separate from the Hunter Transmission Project Environmental Impact Statement currently on public exhibition.
“Fast tracking the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone project is part of EnergyCo’s plan to keep the lights on for everyone in New South Wales, while providing tangible benefits to Hunter communities and their economies,” EnergyCo Chief Executive Hannah McCoughey said.
“Finalising the Review of Environmental Factors marks a significant milestone toward delivering upgraded network infrastructure that supports clean, reliable energy for the Hunter-Central Coast region.
“Ausgrid is committed to working closely with landowners and local stakeholders as we enable a lower cost transition that reduces the impact on our communities,” Ausgrid CEO Marc England said.
Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Ausgrid; EnergyCo; Hunter New Energy