As coal-fired power stations retire, Hunter Transmission Project will deliver reliable, clean power by connecting the Central-West Orana and New England Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) to the grid.
Engineering a future-ready network
The 110 km, 500 kV transmission line will strengthen the network, supporting homes, businesses and industries well into the future.
Recognised as a Priority Transmission Infrastructure Project and Critical State Significant Infrastructure, HTP is central to NSW’s future energy system. As EnergyCo’s technical advisor, we’re delivering a solution that's practical, community-focused and ready for the energy transition ahead.
Connecting Bayswater in the Upper Hunter to Olney in the Lower Hunter, this transmission line forms a robust infrastructure ring that will provide stable power transmission for many years. With the help of HTP, NSW can transition away from fossil fuels by incorporating renewable energy from Central-West Orana and New England REZs.
From the very beginning, we’ve stood alongside EnergyCo as their trusted technical advisor, helping identify and refine the project footprint based on stakeholder input. With several moving parts, it was important for our technical team to stay agile and respond in a timely manner to refine the proposed solutions. The same core technical leads have stayed with the project from day one, bringing consistency, deep knowledge, quicker decision-making, and a genuine sense of ownership.
But our role has gone far beyond drawings on a page. We’ve delivered a full reference design that balances reliability with sustainability, while navigating some tough engineering challenges along the way. This has included major civil works — from designing two new substations and weaving the new transmission line into the existing network, to managing the complexities of brownfield construction. Throughout, we’ve focused on setting up a smooth transition from design to construction, laying the groundwork for a future-ready network.
Putting people and place first
We spent time on the ground listening, learning and collaborating with landowners, councils and environmental organisations. Our team has thoroughly designed the transmission corridor, relying on community interactions and technical expertise to make sure that it was done correctly.
Every change and choice has been about more than just clearing a route. It's been about building trust and making sure that the project fits — rather than forces — its way through the environment and the community. Along with assisting in the preservation of culturally significant sites and habitats for endangered species, we have reduced the number of affected private landowners from 78 to less than 25.
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Next steps towards delivery
The next stage is to submit the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) — a milestone that opens the door for communities to take a closer look at the project footprint and details and have their say about what comes next. With Transgrid now on board as the preferred network operator, we’re putting in place the foundations for a network that’s not only built to last, but built to serve a changing, renewable-powered NSW.
As we inch closer to approvals and open up the floor to community feedback, the Hunter Transmission Project is starting to show its true character. It’s the product of sharp engineering, thoughtful choices and our shared determination to help shape a more sustainable, resilient energy future for NSW.
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