“Putting fatter lines on poles:” Consultation begins on renewable zone for nation’s coal hub

Community consultation has begin on the creation of the Hunter-Central Coast renewable energy zone, which is featuring an upgrade of existing network capacity rather than new transmission lines, and which could emerge as a model for future plans.

The state government has said the Hunter-Central Coast REZ will be the first in Australia to focus primarily on existing infrastructure rather than building new transmission lines, in a move it hopes will reduce disturbance to local communities and ecosystems.

“This will be the first renewable energy zone to replace lower-capacity power lines with higher-capacity ones – we’re essentially putting fatter lines on the poles – which will reduce the impact on the community and the environment,” said state climate change and energy minister Peggy Sharpe.

Sharpe on Friday paid a visit to an electrical substation slated for upgrades under the proposal, and as Ausgrid – chosen last year to be “preferred network operator” – begins community consultation on the plan.

The region, which encompasses Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton and Muswellbrook, has historically been at the centre of the state’s coal industry, meaning it already possesses a wealth of energy infrastructure, as well as an energy-savvy workforce.

Most of NSW’s fleet of coal-fired power stations are due to close down within the next ten years, meaning renewable generation will be needed to fill the gaps.

Currently, however, around 35% of the state’s electricity comes from renewable sources. 

REZs are designated areas where renewable energy projects – both wind and solar – will be grouped so the electricity produced can be efficiently stored and transported.

The proposed works include upgrading about 85 kilometres of existing sub-transmission lines, construction two new substations as well as upgrading an existing two substations, and installing 18 kilometres of new underground fibre optic communications cables.

These upgrades to existing infrastructure are predicted to bring an extra gigawatt of energy into the grid.

In a statement, the government said the works would create an estimated 175 jobs for engineers, electricians and labourers, as well as fast-tracking the energy transition.

Ausgrid has said it will hold drop-in sessions in Singleton, Muswellbrook and online to gather feedback from community members over the proposed plans.

The construction of new energy infrastructure to support Australia’s energy transition – described as a once-in-a-generation overhaul – has been fraught with delays, dogged by fears around community upheaval and environmental concerns.

Of New South Wales’ five proposed REZs, the Hunter-Central Coast is the first to take this new, low-impact approach.

Ausgrid is the largest distributor of energy on Australia’s east coast, providing power to more than 1.8 million customers in Sydney, the Central Coast, and the Hunter Valley.