Lake Macquarie’s strong legacy of powering NSW is continuing with the delivery of a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Origin Energy Eraring and the development of the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP).
Lake Macquarie’s strong legacy of powering NSW is continuing with the delivery of a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Origin Energy Eraring and the development of the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP).
As a region heavily reliant on mining and energy production, it is imperative we plan and prepare for the inevitable transition to renewables.
The environmental benefits of renewable energy production and supply are a key driving force for NSW energy sector’s transition. Climate change and pollution are at the forefront of concerns related to thermal power generation and I support a change to renewables. However, any change must prioritise the people of NSW by securing the reliable delivery of power, supporting working communities and protecting our environment.
Origin Energy are already diversifying at the Eraring Power Station as they approach thermal energy cessation, scheduled for 2029, with a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which will provide power to the grid from renewable energy.
Without an adequate and thoughtful approach to this transition, Lake Macquarie stands to be heavily impacted. My priority remains a collaborative and future-focused approach to navigating the energy transition including impacts on jobs, local industry and the broader community.
As momentum builds on the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP) to connect the Hunter Renewable Energy Zone to the rest of the State’s renewables network, I have listened to people’s concern about the impact on the local community.
Following consultation with residents of Martinsville and Cooranbong, a realignment of the proposed energy infrastructure corridor was undertaken to lessen the impacts on private property owners in the area.
The HTP involves building a new, 110-kilometre, 500 kilovolt (kV) overhead transmission line between Bayswater in the Upper Hunter and Olney in the Lower Hunter. This line will connect with the State’s existing electricity network and help strengthen the reliability and security of the NSW power system for future generations.
The project will also play an important role in supporting the delivery of renewable energy from the Central-West Orana and New England Renewable Energy Zones to homes and businesses across NSW.
The project was publicly exhibited in August and September 2025, with local residents, Councils, landowners, community groups and other stakeholders taking the time to review the project, ask questions and provide feedback.
Following exhibition, EnergyCo worked closely with communities across the region. Feedback from locals helped inform further investigations, refinements to the corridor and updates on how potential impacts will be managed.
The Hunter Transmission Project received planning approval in July 2026 with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces issuing the Conditions of Approval following a detailed and independent assessment process undertaken by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
Approval means the project can now progress to detailed design and planning. You can find more information about the HTP HERE
