Hunter REZ construction starts , powering homes with clean energy | Gloucester Advocate

gloucesteradvocate.com.au · Feb 26, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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Construction of the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone will commence in early 2026.Construction has begun on the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), a project that will generate enough energy to power every home in the Hunter.Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue readingAll articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperAll other in your areaOne of five renewable energy zones in NSW, the REZ will stretch from the Upper Hunter in the north to the Central Coast in the south and includes the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens regions.The $600 million project also represents a milestone in the state's renewable energy transition, creating 590 jobs during construction, with a further 220 secure local jobs once operational."Upgrading this critical infrastructure is another step forward in securing clean, affordable and reliable energy for households and businesses as ageing coal-fired power stations retire," Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe, who will meet workers at Kurri on Friday, said."This project will unlock hundreds of local jobs and boost the economy in the Hunter region."The renewable energy sector directories open another door for local businesses to participate in the growing pipeline of energy projects across the state."The network infrastructure project will connect an additional 1.8 gigawatts of new renewable generation and storage projects.This includes:upgrading about 85km sub-transmission lines installing 18km of underground fibre optic communications cable building two energy hubs in Muswellbrook LGA at Sandy Creek and Antiene, andUpgrading an existing substation at Kurri KurriHunter Central Coast is the first REZ to upgrade existing distribution poles and wires instead of building all new transmission lines."The start of construction is a major milestone for energy security in NSW and we are proud that 90 per cent of the ongoing jobs are expected to be filled by locals, EnergyCo chief executive Hannah McCaughey said."The Hunter region has a rich history when it comes to energy in NSW, and the REZ will ensure it remains a major player in future electricity generation."Local businesses are being targeted to get on board with contract opportunities via an online directory for the work available across all REZ regions.The Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone will create almost 600 jobs.This allows local businesses to connect with upcoming job opportunities.EnergyCo and network operator Ausgrid will work closely with the community, industry and councils as the REZ unlocks long-term benefits for the Hunter region."I'm incredibly proud of the work our teams have done over the past 12 months to plan this project - and importantly to carry out extensive engagement with landowners, residents and local businesses," Ausgrid chief executive Marc England said."Engaging with the Hunter community has been our priority, and that will continue as we commence construction of the project. We look forward to our solution providing ongoing benefits for the Hunter Region, for generations to come."About 36 per cent of the state's electricity now comes from renewable sources.In addition, the government has supported enough renewable projects to put the state two-thirds of the way towards achieving its 2030 generation target and about 40 per cent of the way towards achieving its long-duration storage target.Much of the infrastructure that will be used in the Hunter Central Coast REZ will arrive in the Port of Newcastle before being stored at the new $115.5 million logistics precinct at Mayfield.The 52-hectare precinct will provide portside storage for equipment, including wind turbines and transformers, which is needed to build renewable energy projects.