NSW updates New England Renewable Energy Zone study corridor

A new study area has been identified.

New South Wales (NSW) is revising the proposed location of the transmission lines study corridor for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

According to NSW’s EnergyCo, a part of the corridor will be moved for new transmission lines that will connect the REZ to the existing grid at Muswellbrook.

A new study area has been identified between Bayswater Power Station in Muswellbrook and the central south energy hub (substation) near Walcha. The study area covers a broad area up to 3 kilometres (km) wide.

“The study area is intentionally wide to enable further investigation and consultation with landowners and communities over the coming months, with a narrower 1km-wide corridor expected to be confirmed in early 2026,” EnergyCo said.

The final easements would be narrowed to 140 metres wide.

The new route provides improved access, allowing for safer construction, reduced clearing of vegetation, and better construction outcomes for local roads. The change will result in less private land being impacted by construction access tracks.