HCC REZ Sub-Transmission Network Upgrades

Overview

Genus has been awarded a contract by Ausgrid for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone subtransmission line works.

Ausgrid has been appointed by the Energy Corporation of New South Wales as the preferred network operator for the delivery of the sub-transmission network of the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), which is one of the first 5 renewable energy zones being developed by the New South Wales Government.

The Hunter-Central Coast REZ region was chosen as a renewable energy zone as it has excellent renewable energy resources and can utilise existing power stations, rehabilitated mining land, electricity network infrastructure, port and transport infrastructure and a skilled workforce. 

The Hunter-Central Coast REZ involves upgrading the existing electricity network to allow new renewable generation to connect to the grid and will mainly involve network upgrades which will minimise the impacts on surrounding communities and the environment, while delivering the capacity to transfer at least 1 gigawatt of network transfer capacity.

Disciplines Employed

• Transmission
• Distribution
• Design & Construction
• Upgrade works

Scope of Works

The contract works are comprised of: demolition of 86 kilometres of existing 132kV and 66kV sub-transmission lines, constructing of 106 kilometres of 132kV and 66kV dual/single circuit 132kV sub-transmission lines from Kurri Subtransmission Station to a new Eastern Hub Switching Station; constructing of 4 kilometres of dual circuit 132kV subtransmission lines from Muswellbrook Switching Station to Muswellbrook bulk supply point; and the replacement of 30 kilometres of earthwire with optical ground wire and the installation of 2 kilometres of ADSS fibre optic cable.

The Contract value is circa $140 million including Early Works, and is expected to be completed in April 2028. Peak manning resources are expected to be 120, to be provided mostly from our existing workforce; with any additional manning required to be sourced locally if available.

Outcome

Project is ongoing.