What kinds of projects will be built?
A major renewable energy generator is a developer with a proposed generation and storage project of over 250 megawatts.
Based on a set of criteria, we've identified major renewable generation projects with planned connections to the REZ transmission network that we will work with closely as we deliver the REZ.
This approach enables us to collaborate with project developers on community benefits, manage cumulative impacts and leave a lasting positive legacy within the REZ.
Although early engagement with the generators is required for development, they still need to go through the normal planning and access approvals process.
Access scheme
The Central-West Orana REZ Access Scheme is the first of its kind in Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM). Access schemes help determine which generation and storage projects can connect to parts of the energy grid.
Ten renewable energy and storage projects have been granted access rights in the Central-West Orana REZ, with a total allocated capacity of 7.15 GW. This follows a competitive application process.
Map of projects
Generation and storage projects with access rights in the Central-West Orana REZ
| Project | Developer | Maximum Capacity for Access Rights (megwatts/MW) | Technology type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birrawa Battery Energy Storage System (battery storage) | ACEN Australia | 600MW | Battery energy storage system |
| Birriwa Solar (solar facility) | ACEN Australia | 600MW | Solar |
| Valley of the Winds (wind farm) | ACEN Australia | 919MW | Wind |
| Tallawang Solar Hybrid (solar and battery facility) | Potentia Energy | 500MW | Solar hybrid |
| Cobbora Battery Energy Storage System (battery storage) | Pacific Partnerships | 400MW | Battery energy storage system |
| Cobbora Solar (solar facility) | Pacific Partnerships | 700MW | Solar |
| Sandy Creek Battery Energy Storage System (battery storage) | Lightsource bp | 700MW | Battery energy storage system |
| Sandy Creek Solar (solar facility) | Lightsource bp | 700MW | Solar |
| Spicers Creek Wind Farm (wind farm) | Squadron | 700MW | Wind |
| Liverpool Ranges Wind Farm (wind farm) | TILT | 1,332MW | Wind |
Development applications
Before they can connect to the REZ network, developers of generation and storage must receive planning approval and access rights.
This includes submitting a development application to obtain development consent from the Minister for Planning or the Independent Planning Commission.
You can find information about proposed projects and their status on the NSW Planning Portal.
Managing impacts and delivering benefits to communities in the REZ
As the infrastructure planner for the REZ, we want to ensure that cumulative impacts in the REZ are properly assessed, managed and coordinated.
We take these concerns seriously and are developing a number of strategies and initiatives to ensure the REZ provides positive outcomes for local communities.
We're liaising through our regional steering committee, with developers of generation projects, local councils, government agencies and other key stakeholders on strategies to manage and coordinate potential impacts.
The key focus areas in the region include:
- housing and accommodation
- water and wastewater management
- transport and logistics
- waste management
- skills and workforce
- telecommunications
- key community and health services.
To see how these strategies are progressing, you can learn more about our regional steering committee here.
Supporting resources about renewable energy generation projects
Learn more about the Central-West Orana REZ
Get in touch with the Central-West Orana REZ team
If you have questions about the Central-West Orana REZ transmission project or would like to provide feedback, please contact us.
For construction or out of hours enquiries, please contact our network operator, ACEREZ on 1800 298 379 or visit acerez.com.au to log an enquiry.
1800 032 101
Get in touch with EnergyCo
Call 1800 118 894 (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday).
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