Energy Corporation of NSW
Supporting approvals for NSW’s clean energy future
Client | Energy Corporation of NSW
Service | Project management, environmental impact assessment, environmental management, stakeholder engagement.
Duration | 2024 - current
Sectors | Energy transmission
Our work helps EnergyCo make informed project decisions while protecting environmental values and maintaining momentum on a complex approvals pathway.
Project Overview
EnergyCo is seeking approval for the New England Renewable Energy Zone network infrastructure project. The project will connect renewable energy generation and storage projects in northern NSW to the National Electricity Market — the grid that supplies electricity across eastern and southern Australia. As NSW’s largest planned renewable energy zone, it is critical to maintaining reliable supply as coal-fired power stations retire. The project includes about 305 kilometres of new transmission infrastructure and five energy hubs.
Our approach
We work inside EnergyCo’s project team, bringing client-side planning, environmental and project development expertise to the New England Renewable Energy Zone network infrastructure project. Our embedded role helps EnergyCo shape the approvals pathway, manage environmental assessment work and make informed project decisions as scope, design and stakeholder issues evolve. We focus on practical advice that connects planning strategy with biodiversity assessment, EIS delivery, regulator engagement and project development needs. This approach helps EnergyCo navigate Critical State Significant Infrastructure requirements, maintain momentum toward key approvals milestones and coordinate the specialist roles needed to deliver the work described below.
What we deliver
Our work includes managing the Biodiversity Development Assessment Report, supporting EIS preparation, coordinating multidisciplinary consultants and specialist advisors, and contributing to project development and strategy. We also support stakeholder, landowner, community and regulator engagement to identify environmental values and inform project decisions.
Our team works with design, NSW and Commonwealth agencies to avoid, minimise and appropriately offset environmental impacts, while also supporting planning approvals for road upgrades needed to move oversized and over-mass vehicles from the Port of Newcastle.
Impact
Our work helps EnergyCo make informed project decisions while protecting environmental values and maintaining momentum on a complex approvals pathway. By embedding environmental advice into design and project development, we help identify opportunities to avoid, minimise and offset impacts early. Our engagement with NSW and Commonwealth regulators supports a robust Biodiversity Development Assessment Report and clearer approval pathway. We also contribute to strategic documentation that reduces project risk and supports the future delivery of critical transmission infrastructure for NSW’s energy transition.