Ausgrid and EnergyCo have broken ground on a new renewable energy zone (REZ) set to support an additional 1.8 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy and storage capacity.
This will see an industry first for a REZ, whereby 85km of transmission lines will be upgraded rather than built from new.
The development of the Hunter-Central Coast REZ will also involve installing 18km of underground fibre optic communications cable, building two new energy hubs at Sandy Creek and Antiene, and upgrading existing substations, including the asset at Kurri Kurri.
“As Australia’s first distribution REZ, Ausgrid is proud to lead the way in demonstrating how we can play a key role in the energy transition,” Ausgrid independent chair Dr Helen Nugent said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work Ausgrid has done over the past 12 months to plan this project – and importantly to carry out extensive engagement with landowners, residents and local businesses.”
The Hunter-Central Coast REZ joins four other REZ across NSW including New England, Central-West Orana, Illawarra and South West, each of which have been strategically located in areas boasting abundant sun and wind resources.
At the same time, these REZs are expected to limit the need for new transmission lines (with each located nearby existing powerlines), minimise community impacts and build local economies, skills and expertise.
Central-West Orana – spanning 20,000km2 in central NSW – has been the bellwether REZ, commencing construction in June 2025. This region will unlock an initial 4.5GW of new network capacity by the late 2020s, with operations set to commence in 2028.
The Hunter-Central Coast REZ is also targeting first operations in 2028.
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