Subscribe for future updates

Overview

Australia's energy system is changing as more renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, are connected to the electricity network. To enable this transition and meet future energy needs, new transmission infrastructure is needed to move lower-cost electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed.

The Hunter Transmission Project is a major electricity transmission project that will help strengthen the network and support the delivery of lower-cost renewable energy across NSW and the National Electricity Market.

It is a critical State significant infrastructure that involves the construction of a new 110-kilometre 500 kilovolt (kV) overhead transmission line between Bayswater South in the Upper Hunter and Olney in the Lower Hunter. It also includes new switching stations at Bayswater South and Olney, along with upgrades to the existing Bayswater and Eraring substations.

Once complete, the project will provide up to 5 gigawatts of additional electricity transfer capacity between Bayswater and Eraring, helping to strengthen the electricity network and support the transition to a more reliable and sustainable energy system.

Project update

The Hunter Transmission Project has received planning approval from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces issued the Conditions of Approval following a detailed and independent assessment process.

The Conditions of Approval, along with the project's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Submissions Report and Amendment Report, are available on the NSW Planning Portal.

EnergyCo will continue to lead planning and engagement activities for the Hunter Transmission Project until the network operator is appointed.

Transgrid remains committed to supporting EnergyCo and continuing to work with communities, landowners, stakeholders and First Nations groups as the project progresses

Project map

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Hunter Transmission Project?

The Hunter Transmission Project (HTP) involves building a new overhead 500 kilovolt transmission line spanning around 110 kilometres between Bayswater South in the Upper Hunter and Olney in the Lower Hunter. The HTP also includes building two new switching stations in Bayswater and Olney, along with upgrades to the existing Bayswater and Eraring substations. This will add up to 5 gigawatts of extra electricity transfer capacity between Bayswater and Eraring.

2. Why do we need the Hunter Transmission Project?

Australia needs to transition to a greater mix of low-emission renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, to meet our future energy demands. The Hunter Transmission Project will enable a more reliable and more sustainable grid by increasing the amount of renewable energy that can be delivered across the national electricity grid, helping to transition Australia to a low carbon future. 

3. The Hunter Transmission Project is a Critical State Significant Infrastructure project, but what does this mean?

Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) projects are deemed to have state significance due to size, economic value or potential impacts.

The HTP was declared CSSI by the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces in July 2022.

The HTP was classified as a priority transmission infrastructure project (PTIP) under the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020 (NSW) by the NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heritage.

4. How will the project meet environmental planning approvals?

The project was granted official planning approval by the NSW State government on 28 July 2026.

The project underwent a comprehensive environmental assessment process, including the preparation and public exhibition of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), followed by a Submissions Report and an Amendment Report.

5. What is the commitment deed?

The commitment deed is a commercial agreement between Transgrid and EnergyCo confirming Transgrid as the preferred network operator for the Hunter Transmission Project. The agreement sets out Transgrid’s commitment to deliver, operate and maintain the project.

6. What does the commitment deed mean for Transgrid?

Signing the commitment deed means that EnergyCo has selected Transgrid as the preferred network operator to deliver the Hunter Transmission Project.

The appointment of Transgrid as network operator remains subject to execution of a final delivery contract between EnergyCo and Transgrid, award of design and construct packages and other necessary approvals for the project.

Contact us

EnergyCo will continue to lead the planning and engagement for the HTP until the network operator is appointed. For more information on this project, please contact EnergyCo via the contact details below: 

Transgrid contact:

News

See all news articles
Hunter Transmission
20250123_EnergyCoTransgrid_DeedSigning_TZM-9067-min

29 January 2025

Transgrid and EnergyCo sign agreement for Hunter Transmission Project

Transgrid has welcomed a commercial agreement with the NSW Government for the Hunter Transmission Project, which is a critical next step as the state transitions to a cleaner, more affordable electricity supply.

See all news articles