Key details

As coal-fired power stations close, existing transmission lines lack the capacity needed to transfer electricity from renewable energy zones (REZs) to consumers.  

The Hunter Transmission Project involves building a new, 110-kilometre, overhead 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Bayswater in the Upper Hunter and Olney in the Lower Hunter. It will connect the state’s existing 500 kV transmission lines, which will create a 500 kV ring of transmission infrastructure that will provide the backbone of the state’s new electricity grid for generations to come. 

Importantly, it will unlock the electricity supply from the Central-West Orana and New England REZs

View the interactive map

Transmission tower Hunter

Planning approval granted for the Hunter Transmission Project | July 2026

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has granted planning approval for the Hunter Transmission Project, with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces issuing the Conditions of Approval following a detailed and independent assessment process.

The project team is now progressing detailed design and planning activities in line with the Conditions of Approval.

Before construction can begin, the team must complete detailed design, management plans and all pre-construction requirements in accordance with the Conditions of Approval.

As the project moves through detailed design, planning and delivery preparation, the project team will continue engaging with landholders, communities and stakeholders.

Watch the from our project director below for an update on the project and next steps.

Read the approval documentsJuly 2026 planning approval updateFrequently asked questionsStay informedPrevious updates and information

View the Conditions of Approval and associated planning documents on the NSW Government Major Projects website. 

Read the approval documents

Read the latest Hunter Transmission Project update, including what approval means, what happens next and key project information. 

Read the July 2026 planning approval update

Find answers to common questions about approval, next steps and project delivery. 

Read FAQs

Subscribe to the Hunter-wide EnergyCo e-newsletter for future updates and communications.

Sign up

Access earlier project updates, reports and previous communications materials.

See resources

We're coordinating multiple projects in the Hunter and Central Coast regions

The Hunter and Central Coast are at the heart of our work to deliver clean, reliable and affordable energy for NSW as our coal-fired power plants retire.

Learn more about the projects we're delivering in these regions.

See the region overview

Location and maps

Map of the Hunter Transmission Project
Map of the Hunter Transmission Project alignment - Amended (February 2026)
  1. Planning

    Planning for the Hunter Transmission Project is well underway in line with the planning approval pathway for critical State significant infrastructure. 

    The environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Hunter Transmission Project was on public exhibition from 27 August to 24 September 2025. To learn more about planning approvals and the EIS, see the page environmental impact statement for the Hunter Transmission Project, or view the HTP Project Portal.

    We've lodged the Hunter Transmission Project Submissions Report and Amendment Report with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. 

    Read the reports

  2. Under construction

    If the Hunter Transmission Project is approved, construction is expected to start in late 2026. 
     
    To find out about what we are building for the the HTP, visit the page what we're building for the Hunter Transmission Project.

  3. Operational

    Once operational, the Hunter Transmission Project will help deliver clean, reliable energy across NSW. 

A man in a white polo and another man in a hat are in conversation at a table with maps of the proposed Hunter Transmission Project.

We’re committed to working closely with the community and key stakeholders as we plan the Hunter Transmission Project. Find out about the opportunities to learn more and have your say, like:   

  • community drop-in events and online briefings  
  • surveys
  • regional reference group.  

Learn more

Project information

Get an overview of the transmission line and supporting infrastructure planned for the Hunter Transmission Project.

Explore where the transmission lines will run and learn about the route selection process. 

Explore the project on our interactive map

View documents and resources about the Hunter Transmission Project.

Learn about the project’s planning approvals process and the environmental impact statement. 

Discover opportunities to work with the Hunter Transmission Project. 

Community information

Browse information and resources for landowners.

Learn about how we're working with the community.

Learn about how we're working with Aboriginal stakeholders.

Explore how the projects in the Hunter and Central Coast regions will benefit local communities.

Register to receive updates about the Hunter Transmission Project

Project news

Looking up at a 500 kilovolt transmission line and trees - Martinsville Road in Martinsville
Media release
Hunter Transmission Project
29 Jul 2026

Released by: Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

Transmission tower Hunter
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

Other projects in the Hunter and Central Coast regions

Get in touch with the HTP team

Email us

Send the local HTP community team an email at [email protected]  

Call us

Phone us on 1800 645 972 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday). 

Information sessions are for community members to learn more about the project and to speak with the Hunter Transmission Project team.  

Sign up for the Hunter Transmission Project e-newsletter.