The New South Wales Government has granted planning approval for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) project.
The State Government said it is fast tracking the state’s first REZ that upgrades existing grid infrastructure such as distribution poles and wires. This approach will reduce the impact on communities and the environment.
The network upgrades, which will enable 1GW of network transfer capacity, include upgrades to existing distribution lines and the construction of two new substations.
According to the New South Wales Government, projects like the Hunter-Central Coast REZ are key to the its energy plan. Right now, around 36 per cent of New South Wales’s electricity comes from renewable sources.
It said that the projects the State Government has backed already will move the state more than two-thirds of the way to its 2030 renewable energy generation goal, and about 40 per cent of the way to its 2030 long-duration storage target.
Full planning approval was achieved following the exhibition of the review of environmental factors and a review of submissions by councils, state authorities, businesses and individuals.
The Hunter-Central Coast REZ network infrastructure has been assessed as having a relatively low environmental impact, as most of the works are taking place on existing easements.
EnergyCo Chief Executive, Hannah McCaughey, said that fast-tracking the Hunter-Central Coast REZ 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.
This sentiment was echoed by Ausgrid CEO, Marc England, who said that 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,” he said.
Ausgrid has committed to addressing the Review of Environmental Factors feedback, which included priorities such as jobs, support for local businesses and procurement, protection of visual amenity and environment, community benefits, effective traffic management and ongoing community engagement.
The New South Wales Government said that the REZ is forecast to create an average of approximately 590 direct jobs per year in the local area during construction, including roles for engineers, electricians and labourers. Ausgrid is committed to prioritising jobs and skills training, local procurement and Aboriginal business participation.
The project is now subject to final approvals from the Australian Energy Regulator.
New South Wales Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, said the planning approval for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone project is further evidence of progress on a key upgrade that will help keep 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,” she said.
New South Wales Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, said 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,” Ms Catley said.
“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.”
New South Wales Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, said that 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,” he said.
The Review of Environmental Factors is available for download, at Ausgrid.com.au/HCCREZ.
