Central-West Orana Transmission Project

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 State planning approval in June 2024 and Commonwealth planning approval in August 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

EnergyCo and the preferred network operator for the project, ACEREZ, are now requesting administrative modifications to the approval conditions issued by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for the Central-West Orana Transmission Project (SSI 48323210). 

These administrative modifications are intended to improve clarity and make compliance obligations clearer to ensure the project can proceed efficiently and without delay. They do not in any way reduce our obligations to safeguard safety, heritage, biodiversity or managing impacts such as noise under the project, nor do they change the size or footprint of the project.

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 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.