The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) is a NSW Government statutory authority responsible for delivering and coordinating investment in Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) as part of the State's Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.

REZs group new wind and solar power generation into locations where it can be efficiently stored and transmitted across NSW. Five zones have so far been identified which will deliver a reliable electricity supply to meet the growing demand of power from our regions and cities, one of which is in the Hunter-Central Coast area.

In October 2024, EnergyCo announced that they will be working with Ausgrid to finalise a proposed network solution to deliver the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone. This involves upgrading the existing electricity network to allow new renewable generation to connect to the grid. These enhancements are vital to meeting both our current and future energy needs.

The proposed solution will mainly involve network upgrades. This minimises impacts on surrounding communities and the environment, while delivering the capacity to transfer at least 1 gigawatt of renewable energy.

In the coming months, we will work with EnergyCo to finalise the scope to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Hunter-Central Coast REZ network infrastructure.

This will bring significant economic benefits to the region including more jobs, opportunities for local businesses and potential new industries.

The map below shows the areas where Ausgrid's proposed upgrades will occur.

We are committed to working alongside EnergyCo and engaging with local councils, landowners, communities, and businesses to ensure the project delivers benefits for all stakeholders.