The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) has signed a commercial agreement with Transgrid, making it the preferred network operator for the Hunter Transmission Project.
Transgrid CEO Brett Redman said, “The Hunter Transmission Project is one of the state’s most critical energy projects, unlocking generation from new Renewable Energy Zones and helping to provide energy security for the state as coal-fired power stations retire.
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“We welcome EnergyCo’s vote of confidence in Transgrid as it plans this critical transmission link, which will help accelerate the clean energy transition and provide access to cleaner and cheaper energy to households and businesses.
“The Hunter has been at the heart of our energy industry for decades and we look forward to continuing to work with the local community as the region continues to play an important role in the state’s clean energy transition.”
Transgrid being named as the preferred network operator is a significant milestone for the Hunter Transmission Project. While Transgrid’s appointment as network operator is not yet final, key steps such as signing a delivery contract and securing approvals are expected to be completed in 2026.
The project involves construction of a 100km, 500kV transmission line from Bayswater to Olney. The new infrastructure will transport electricity from the New England and Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zones to homes and businesses in the Hunter, Sydney and Illawarra.
The Hunter Transmission Project has been classified as a Priority Transmission Infrastructure Project and declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure.
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“The Hunter Transmission Project is an important part of transitioning NSW towards a cleaner, more affordable renewable energy supply,” Redman said.
“We look forward to continuing to work with EnergyCo to accelerate the state’s clean energy transition under the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.”
