Industry forums shine light on new work opportunities
New packages of work for constructing transmission lines in NSW's first Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) will be available from mid-July.
Local businesses and suppliers looking for opportunities to participate in the energy transition can hear about them first-hand through industry forums being held across the Central-West Orana REZ between 29 July and 6 August 2024.
Learn more and register to attend a session that suits you best.
About the transmission project
The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) will be serviced by new transmission network infrastructure, including transmission lines and energy hubs, which will transfer power generated by solar and wind farms to electricity consumers. This infrastructure will be critical for the successful operation of the REZ. EnergyCo is leading the development of the REZ transmission network infrastructure as the Infrastructure Planner for the REZs in NSW.
EnergyCo is responsible for developing and overseeing the planning and approval processes for the REZ network infrastructure. After a competitive tender process, EnergyCo entered into a commitment deed with a consortium comprised of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy (ACEREZ) as preferred network operator for the REZ. ACEREZ has signed on to seek approval to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the REZ transmission network.
To support the delivery of the transmission network infrastructure and the REZ as a whole, we are working closely with the developers of renewable energy projects to plan their connections into the network. We are also working with generators and other key stakeholders to develop strategies to manage cumulative impacts within the REZ and deliver community benefit initiatives.
Planning approvals
The Central-West Orana REZ transmission project has reached a significant milestone, securing NSW planning approval in June 2024. This marks the first time a REZ in Australia has achieved this critical step under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. The project will deliver at least 4.5 gigawatts (GW) of transmitted electricity.
Planning approval follows detailed technical planning and extensive community consultation. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was exhibited from late September until early November 2023 and included measures to avoid, minimise or mitigate potential environmental and community impacts. Community feedback informed a number of key changes to the project, which are described and assessed in an Amendment Report.
The project has been declared a Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) project by the Minister for Planning. Under the NSW Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979, all CSSI applications are required to go through a comprehensive environmental assessment process.
View the REZ transmission project on the NSW Planning Portal
Next steps
EnergyCo will continue working with the community, impacted landowners, government agencies and other stakeholders to keep people informed of project progress.
We will now finalise remaining planning and regulatory approvals, award the final contract with the network operator and achieve financial close, scheduled for the second half of 2024. Construction works are expected from late 2024, with initial operation anticipated in 2028.
Working with industry
New work packages for constructing transmission lines in Australia’s first REZ will be available from mid-July with more planned over the next year for tender opportunities across various categories.
Local businesses and suppliers looking for opportunities to participate in the energy transition can hear about them first-hand through industry forums being held across the Central-West Orana REZ between 29 July and 6 August 2024. Local and Aboriginal businesses can learn about upcoming tender opportunities, scope of works, training, business support and resources.
EnergyCo is delivering the forums in partnership with preferred network operator, ACEREZ, a consortium of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy.
Select a session that suits you best.
Aboriginal businesses | Wellington Monday 29 July, 11am-12pm | Maliyan Cultural Centre – Orana Arts, 13A Nanima Crescent | Register here |
Dubbo Monday 29 July, 4-5pm | Dubbo RSL Memorial Club, 178 Brisbane Street | Register here | |
Mudgee Tuesday 30 July, 4-5pm | Club Mudgee, 99 Mortimer Street | Register here | |
Business breakfast | Dubbo Tuesday 30 July, 7-9am | Dubbo RSL Memorial Club, 178 Brisbane Street | Register here |
Mudgee Wednesday 31 July, 7-9am | Club Mudgee, 99 Mortimer Street | Register here | |
General audience | Wellington Monday 29 July, 12-1.30pm | Maliyan Cultural Centre – Orana Arts, 13A Nanima Crescent | Register here |
Dubbo Monday 29 July, 5.30-7.30pm | Dubbo RSL Memorial Club, 178 Brisbane Street | Register here | |
Mudgee Tuesday 30 July, 5.30-7.30pm | Club Mudgee, 99 Mortimer Street | Register here | |
Coolah Monday 5 August, 5-6.30pm | Coolah Youth & Community Centre, 10-12 Binnia Street | Register here | |
Cassilis Tuesday 6 August, 8-9.30am | Cassilis Community Centre, 22-24 Buccleugh Street | Register here | |
Dunedoo Tuesday 6 August, 5-6.30pm | Dunedoo Jubilee Memorial Hall, 154 Bolaro Street | Register here |
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Contact us
If you have any questions about the Central-West Orana REZ or would like to provide feedback, please contact us at any time:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 1800 032 101 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)