Project Updates

Project Update – December 2025

As we approach the end of 2025, we would like to share a brief update on the Upper Hunter Energy Park (UHEP) and the progress made on the project’s electricity connection to Scone.

Further technical studies, surveys and design work have now been completed for the proposed overhead power line. In this post, we share information on the refined powerline route and the next steps in the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) process. We also share an update on another significant milestone for the project, the confirmation of the Upper Hunter Energy Park’s electricity grid connection.

As the year comes to a close, we would like to thank you for taking the time to engage with us and for your continued interest in the Upper Hunter Energy Park. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season and look forward to keeping in touch as the project progresses in the year ahead.

→ Grid Connection Milestone

The Upper Hunter Energy Park has reached a significant milestone with the confirmation of its electricity grid connection. Approval has been received for the wind farm to connect to the Ausgrid 66 kV network at Scone, allowing up to 75.6 MW of renewable energy to be exported to the local grid. This outcome follows technical assessments under the National Electricity Rules and confirms that the project can connect safely and reliably. We thank Ausgrid, AEMO and the project’s technical advisers. 

→ Overhead Power Line Refinements

Following environmental, archaeological and technical investigations, targeted refinements have been made to the proposed 66kV overhead power line alignment. Near Owens Gap, the route has been adjusted to avoid sensitive areas. Around Cliftlands Road, it has been shifted further from nearby homes in response to community feedback. Across the Scone golf course, the refined design removes infrastructure from playing areas.

→ REF – Public Exhibition Ahead

The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the proposed overhead power line is nearing completion. It assesses the project’s environmental, social and technical considerations and will be submitted to Ausgrid in January 2026. Following acceptance, the REF will be placed on public exhibition for three weeks in February 2026. During this time, community members will be able to review the assessment and make a submission. Exhibition details will be shared on the UHEP website, under the ‘Project Updates’ and ‘Get Involved’ pages, closer to the opening.

At Upper Hunter Energy Park, the design of the project’s infrastructure continues to evolve as we finalise the details. We are pleased to share an updated map of the proposed 66 kV overhead line route, which will connect the wind farm to the existing electricity grid at Scone.

The updated route reflects careful consideration of environmental, archaeological, and technical factors. Wherever practicable, it avoids sensitive areas, responds to feedback from landholders and the community, and is designed to improve safety, constructability, and integration with existing land uses.

We remain committed to keeping the community informed as the project progresses and will continue to share updates on how the infrastructure fits into the landscape and supports renewable energy generation in the Upper Hunter.