The New South Wales government has granted planning approval for the Hunter Transmission Project, bringing the state another step closer toward a cleaner and more reliable energy grid.
The approval authorises the construction of a new 110-kilometre, 500-kilovolt transmission line designed to connect renewable energy generated in the Central-West Orana and New England Renewable Energy Zones directly to homes and businesses across NSW.
By bridging a critical network gap as ageing coal-fired power stations retire, the project aims to bolster state-wide energy security and help lower electricity prices.
Following extensive community consultation, roughly 90 per cent of the approved transmission route will now traverse mining, energy, and government-owned land.
This design change significantly reduces the number of directly impacted private properties from around 70 to fewer than 20. The revised alignment also minimises vegetation clearing and successfully avoids nearly all known breeding ponds of the threatened Littlejohn’s Tree Frog.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe described the infrastructure as vital for securing the state’s power requirements.
“The Hunter Transmission Project is one of the most important energy projects in NSW because it will help keep the lights on as ageing coal-fired power stations retire,” Sharpe said.
“This project is the missing link between the renewable energy being built in Central-West Orana and New England and the millions of homes, businesses, schools and hospitals that rely on affordable and reliable electricity every day.”
The development is expected to generate approximately 830 construction jobs, including more than 160 positions in the Hunter region, and support around 1,500 direct and indirect jobs state-wide.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully noted the project approval carries strict conditions covering biodiversity, Aboriginal cultural heritage, social impacts, and local business participation.
Subject to final Commonwealth Government approval, construction is scheduled to commence in late 2026, with project completion expected by late 2029.