Renewable power to 2.7 million NSW homes on track as first transmission lines strung in Central-West

Households across New South Wales are a step closer to a more reliable energy future, with the first transmission lines now being strung on the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone transmission project.

The project remains on track for energisation from 2028 and will unlock enough renewable energy and storage to power up to 2.7 million homes during periods of peak demand.

Stringing is a critical stage of transmission network construction, involving the installation of high-voltage cables between towers to form a continuous pathway for electricity. With 64 towers now standing, crews will work continuously to install cables to progressively connect each tower. 

The transmission cables will be installed across the Central-West Orana REZ transmission network, extending from Elong Elong through Merotherie to Barigan Creek.

The Central-West Orana REZ is also delivering $128 million in Community and Employment Benefit Program grants to the region. More than $72 million has already been awarded to support 75 projects across local communities: from housing to water infrastructure, skills training centres and sporting facilities.

More funding will flow over the coming decades through fees paid by energy generators that connect to the REZ network infrastructure.

Quotes attributable to EnergyCo Chief Executive Officer Hannah McCaughey

"Seeing the first transmission lines strung between towers is an exciting milestone for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.

"The Central-West Orana REZ is already supporting local businesses, creating jobs and delivering new investment into regional communities, helping build a stronger local economy while delivering the energy infrastructure NSW needs for the future."

Quotes attributable to ACEREZ Chief Executive Officer Steve Masters

“Every pull, every join, every metre of conductor brings us closer to delivering clean, reliable energy to homes and businesses across NSW.

“This is complex, highly coordinated work, and our crews have delivered it with precision. It’s an important achievement and a clear sign of the progress we’re making toward energising Australia’s first Renewable Energy Zone.”

Fast facts

• The lines for the Central-West Orana REZ transmission network will run for 240 kilometres.
• Transmission cable is delivered on drums carrying up to 2,500 metres of conductor.
• Each puller machine (winch) weighs about 9 tonnes. 
• A single winch pull takes around three hours to complete.
• Stringing can be completed in sections extending tens of kilometres.

What is a renewable energy zone (REZ)? 

• REZs group new wind and solar power projects into locations where the generated electricity can be efficiently stored and transmitted across NSW. 
• Five zones have been identified and will keep electricity reliable as coal-fired power stations retire by delivering large amounts of energy. 
• REZs also help deliver lower wholesale electricity costs and place downward pressure on customer bills through increased competition. 

What is the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone? 

• The state’s first REZ is in the Central-West Orana region, centred by Dubbo and Dunedoo. It takes in Gulgong, Mudgee, Wellington, Gilgandra and other towns.
• The REZ is forecast to support more than 1,800 direct jobs in the local area during peak construction, and almost 1,000 ongoing operational roles.
• Transmission lines for the REZ will travel 240 kilometres. The easement will take in 0.04 per cent of the total agricultural land in the four local government areas it covers. 
• ACEREZ, a partnership of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy, was appointed network operator by EnergyCo to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the transmission network for the Central-West Orana REZ.