Hunter Transmission Project - Frequently asked questions

The Hunter Transmission Project (HTP) will deliver a new 110-kilometre 500 kV transmission line between Bayswater and Olney, connecting into the existing network near Eraring. 

The project will help close the northern gap in NSW’s 500 kV transmission ring, connect Renewable Energy Zones to the grid, and strengthen electricity reliability for the Hunter, Sydney and Illawarra regions.

As electricity demand increases and coal-fired power stations retire, new transmission infrastructure is needed to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply. The project supports NSW’s transition to a more reliable and sustainable energy system. 

The transmission line will run from Bayswater (near Muswellbrook) to Olney (near Eraring). The alignment has been refined through environmental studies, engineering analysis and community consultation and will be finalised during detailed design, subject to approval.

You can view the latest project alignment on the interactive map.

Visit the interactive map

Timing is indicative and subject to approval. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was exhibited in August–September 2025, followed by lodgement of the Submissions Report and Amendment Report in February 2026. 

A government determination is expected in 2026. If approved, early works are expected to begin in late 2026, with construction starting in early 2027 and completion targeted for 2029. 

EnergyCo is responsible for planning, approvals and oversight of the project.

Subject to approval, a Network Operator will be responsible for detailed design, construction and operation. Transgrid was identified in late 2024 as the preferred Network Operator, subject to final approvals and contractual arrangements. 

EnergyCo will continue to oversee the project to ensure Conditions of Approval are met.

Electricity demand in NSW is increasing while coal-fired power stations are expected to retire over the coming decade. 

The HTP will help connect renewable energy generation to the grid and ensure electricity can be delivered to where it is needed, supporting a reliable and secure energy system.

Upgrading the existing network was assessed but would only provide limited additional capacity and require outages that could affect electricity reliability.

New 500 kV transmission infrastructure is needed to safely and efficiently transfer large volumes of electricity across NSW. 

The preferred corridor was identified through a staged route selection process that assessed three strategic corridors and 19 potential route options. 

The selected corridor reduces impacts on private landowners, maintains distance from residential areas, avoids key tourism areas such as Pokolbin, and enables colocation with existing infrastructure.

As a result, around 89% of the corridor is located on mining, energy and government land, helping minimise impacts on private land and communities. 

Alternative corridors and upgrading the existing network were assessed but not progressed due to capacity, environmental and delivery constraints. 

The project will include steel lattice transmission towers supporting a 500 kV line.

Towers are typically spaced 300–600 metres apart, with around 200 towers expected. Final numbers, heights and locations will be confirmed during detailed design. 

Construction will occur in stages along the corridor and typically involves installing tower foundations, erecting towers and installing conductors (power lines).

Temporary access tracks, laydown areas and construction support sites will be used. Helicopters may be used in remote areas. Construction will move progressively along the alignment, so impacts at any one location are temporary.

Construction support sites are temporary areas used to store materials and equipment, support the workforce and coordinate construction activities. Five sites have been identified across the project area, with some including temporary worker accommodation. 

A range of management plans will be developed, including for traffic, noise, environmental protection and community communication.

Measures will include scheduling works, monitoring impacts and maintaining ongoing communication with affected communities. As the project is located in a rural area with low background noise, construction noise may be more noticeable than in urban areas.

Yes. The project is expected to support around 1,500 jobs during peak construction, including more than 780 roles in the Hunter region. 

Some vegetation clearing will be required, with around 762 hectares of native vegetation potentially affected. 

The project has been designed to avoid and minimise impacts where possible, with refinements already avoiding more than 200 hectares of vegetation.

Where impacts cannot be avoided, biodiversity offsets will be secured in accordance with NSW legislation. 

Transmission infrastructure is designed to operate safely in bushfire-prone areas.

Measures include steel towers, vegetation clearances, aerial inspections, hazard tree removal and coordination with the NSW Rural Fire Service. 

No. Technical assessments confirmed the project will not adversely impact aerial firefighting operations. 

Helicopters can safely operate near transmission lines, and access to water sources will not be affected.

Yes, however impacts have been significantly reduced through design refinement.

Fewer than 20 private landowners are directly affected, reduced from 78 earlier in planning. 

EnergyCo, alongside the Network Operator and D&C contractor will continue to engage with landowners, communities, councils and stakeholders throughout assessment, detailed design and construction.

This includes ongoing updates, community information sessions and direct engagement with affected landowners.

Following public exhibition of the Hunter Transmission Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in August–September 2025, the Submissions Report and Amendment Report were lodged in February 2026. 

If the project is approved, it will be subject to Conditions of Approval set by the NSW Government.

These are legally binding requirements that set how the project must be designed, constructed and operated to avoid, minimise and manage impacts.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is independently assessing the project following lodgement in February 2026. 

The Department will make a recommendation to the NSW Government, which will decide whether the project is approved and what Conditions of Approval apply. A decision is expected in 2026.

Approval does not mean construction will start immediately. If approved, the project will move into detailed design, including further investigations, approvals and ongoing engagement before construction begins.

EnergyCo, alongside the network operator and design and construct contractor will continue to engage with landowners, communities, councils and stakeholders throughout assessment, detailed design and construction.

You can view the reports on the Hunter Transmission Project homepage, explore the interactive map, sign up for updates or contact the project team.