New England REZ network infrastructure project

About the network infrastructure project

The New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) will be serviced by new network infrastructure, including transmission lines, energy hubs and enabling infrastructure which will transfer power generated by solar, wind and storage projects to electricity consumers. This infrastructure will be critical for the successful operation of the REZ. EnergyCo is leading the development of the REZ transmission network infrastructure as the Infrastructure Planner for the REZs in NSW.

Some of this infrastructure will need to be built outside the New England REZ geographical area to connect the REZ to the main backbone transmission network. EnergyCo is in the early stages of assessing what new network infrastructure should be built to unlock and service the New England REZ.

Study corridor update

After careful consideration, we are moving part of the corridor between Bayswater Power Station near Muswellbrook and the central south hub (substation) near Walcha. We have identified a new study area through this section which will allow for safer and more efficient construction, better bushfire management and reduced construction, environmental and traffic impacts. We’re making this update to improve overall outcomes for the project and NSW energy consumers. 

The new study area covers a broad area around 3km wide and will be refined following further design work and engagement with landowners and communities over the coming months.

We have a range of resources and tools available to help you find out more about the corridor update including the October project update and fact sheet which includes FAQs and explains the new study area and our next steps for refining the corridor. You can view the new study area on our interactive map or via the video below. 

Have your say to help shape the corridor

Since early October, we have been talking to landowners and holding information sessions in the region to discuss the new study area for dual 500kV transmission lines between Muswellbrook and the central south hub near Walcha.

In recent weeks we have held 12 information sessions across 10 local townships, including additional sessions at Timor and Nundle in response to local feedback. These sessions totalled over 40 hours of engagement and were attended by more than 840 people, including many landowners in the new study area.

On Tuesday 25 November we hosted a webinar to share some key findings of the Bulk Corridor Design Refinement Report, including how we assessed firefighting constraints and construction challenges in the previous corridor. The session also covered what this means for the next stage of corridor refinement and how landowners and the community can continue to provide input as planning progresses. To view a recording of the webinar, click here.

In addition to our direct engagement with landowners, we are inviting feedback from the wider community through a ‘have your say’ period until Friday 12 December 2025. We want to hear your views on potential opportunities and constraints within the new study area. All comments received will be considered as we refine to a 1km-wide corridor.

You can send your feedback by email to [email protected]. Alternatively, give our team a call on 1800 061 114 (toll free). We can also make arrangements to receive your feedback in person or via post.

After the engagement period, we will publish a feedback report outlining the key topics raised by the community and EnergyCo’s responses. We will share the report with the community once finalised.

Network operator update

EnergyCo is running a competitive procurement process to appoint a network operator for the REZ network infrastructure project. The procurement is one of the biggest of its kind in NSW.

The network operator is one of EnergyCo’s key partners for the New England REZ and will design, construct, finance, operate and maintain new transmission lines and related infrastructure, such as energy hubs (substations), that will connect the REZ to the NSW grid. 

We’re procuring a network operator now to ensure we can plan the New England REZ carefully, deliver the new energy network on time and keep the lights on across NSW as our coal-fired power stations retire. 

You can read more about the latest status of the procurement process for the network operator on our webpage here or in our latest media release.