Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone

The Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone will be the first renewable energy zone in Australia to upgrade existing distribution poles and wires.

Quick links for Hunter-Central Coast REZ

Key details

The Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) has an intended network capacity of 1 gigawatt (GW) of clean energy generation. It involves upgrades to the existing network to connect renewable generation to the grid.

We selected Ausgrid as the preferred network operator in December 2024 following a competitive tender process.

Network upgrades include:

building 2 new energy hubs (substations)
upgrades to 85km of sub-transmission lines
augmentations to existing infrastructure

The Hunter-Central Coast REZ includes 9 local government areas: Muswellbrook Shire Council, Dungog Shire Council, Singleton Council, Cessnock City Council, Maitland City Council, Port Stephens Council, Newcastle City Council, Central Coast Council and Lake Macquarie City Council.

The REZ is located on the lands of the Awabakal, Bahtabah, Biraban, Darkinjung, Mindaribba, Wanaruah and Worimi people.

Hunter Central Coast - working on power lines

Learn more

Visit the Ausgrid website

Ausgrid is the preferred network operator for the project

Get the latest information on the Hunter-Central Coast REZ

See recent media releases about the REZ

Hunter-Central Coast Regional Reference Group

The group facilitates discussions between EnergyCo and the broader Hunter and Central Coast communities.

Location and maps

Hunter-Central Coast REZ proposed upgrades

Interactive map

Visit the map

Map as a PDF

Download the map as a PDF

GIS file download

Download the REZ boundary as a GIS file

Ausgrid selected as preferred network operator

In late 2024, we selected Ausgrid as the preferred network operator following a competitive tender process. The project scope includes upgrades to the existing network infrastructure to deliver an additional 1 gigawatt of network transfer capacity in the Hunter-Central Coast REZ.

Ausgrid is responsible for planning, delivering and operating existing power lines and other equipment that will connect generation and storage projects in the Hunter-Central Coast REZ.

Learn more on Ausgrid's website

Working with the community

The Hunter-Central Coast REZ ensures the region plays a key role in the state’s renewable energy future, powering existing industries and emerging technology.

Ausgrid as network operator is committed to working with the community to minimise project impacts and maximise opportunities for more jobs and work for local businesses.

Assessing impacts in the Hunter-Central Coast REZ Network Infrastructure Project

We're working with generation and transmission project partners, NSW Government agencies and local councils to deliver the Hunter-Central Coast REZ.

We will work with communities and key stakeholders to understand how we can deliver long-lasting benefits and minimise project impacts for the community.

Ausgrid released a review of environmental factors (REF) for public exhibition and comment on 29 April 2025.

Upcoming consultation

Ausgrid regularly holds community information sessions and has a presence at various local events around the region.

Learn more on Ausgrid's website

Recent news

Media release

Hunter Transmission Project

Hunter Central Coast REZ

Waratah Super Battery Project

Newcastle Logistics Precinct

Port to Renewable Energy Zones

Hunter Central Coast region

08 Aug 2025

Regional reference group expands to cover portfolio of EnergyCo's Hunter and Central Coast projects

Media release

Hunter Central Coast REZ

Network operators

Upgrades to existing networks

31 Jan 2025

Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone powers ahead

Released by: Minister for Energy and Climate Change

Project updates

Hunter Central Coast REZ

Network operators

Upgrades to existing networks

17 Dec 2024

EnergyCo and Ausgrid committed to delivering Hunter-Central Coast REZ

Why the region was chosen

The region has unique features, such as existing power stations, rehabilitated mining land, electricity network infrastructure, port and transport infrastructure and a skilled workforce, making it ideally suited for a REZ.

Learn more about how the region was chosen