Australia OKs renewable energy zone transmission project

Construction will begin late 2024.

The proposed Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) transmission project has secured planning approval from the federal government, making it the first REZ to reach this step in Australia.

With this development, along with the New South Wales (NSW) government’s approval in June, “this crucial infrastructure is poised to transition into its delivery phase,” Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) said in a statement. 

EnergyCo said it will now continue working towards awarding the final contract to the preferred network operator to design, build, operate, and maintain the transmission line network for the Central-West Orana REZ.

This latest progress paves the way for the construction of transmission lines to connect large-scale renewable energy facilities to the electricity grid, EnergyCo said.

The Central-West Orana REZ, which is seen to deliver at least 4.5 gigawatts of transmitted electricity, is approximately 20,000 square kilometres and takes in cities and towns including Dubbo, Dunedoo, and Mudgee. Its construction is expected to begin late 2024, with initial operation anticipated in 2028. 

The project is expected to drive up to $20b in private investment in solar, wind, and energy storage projects.

Earlier, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) launched its single largest investment of $490m to support the Central-West Orana REZ.