ACEREZ powers the path to reliable energy

Cleaner, more reliable energy is now certain with EnergyCo and ACEREZ reaching financial close to build the country’s first renewable energy zone.

ACEREZ, a partnership of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy, has been appointed network operator to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) transmission network.

ACEREZ chief executive Trevor Armstrong said the project would deliver job opportunities and long-term benefits to the community.

“This is a significant milestone and our partners, who have extensive experience in delivering sustainable infrastructure projects, will bring their community-first engagement practices to the Central-West Orana,” Mr Armstrong said.

“We will work hand-in-hand with landowners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, community members, councils and other stakeholders to deliver a more reliable and brighter energy future.”

ACCIONA CEO for Australia and New Zealand Bede Noonan said ACCIONA brings local expertise combined with global experience to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that have a positive impact on society.

“Delivery of the Central-West Orana REZ will help Australia’s transition to a low carbon economy and provide future job growth and economic benefit that will transform the Central-West Orana region,” Mr Noonan said.

“We are proud to be bringing our expertise to this critical project and leaving the NSW community with a stronger, more sustainable future.”

COBRA CEO José María Castillo Lacabex said the REZ will transform local businesses.

“'The REZ will act as a catalyst for economic growth, providing unprecedented opportunities for local enterprises to thrive,” he said.

“This initiative not only highlights our commitment to sustainable energy, but we are also proud to be part of the first REZ, leveraging our extensive experience in energy infrastructure construction.”

Endeavour Energy CEO Guy Chalkley said the company has a strong track record in providing a safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply to 2.7 million people across NSW.

“We will draw on that experience as ACEREZ builds the Central-West Orana REZ that will set the standard for other renewable energy zones across the nation,” Mr Chalkley said.

“We are at the forefront of the industry in the transition to renewables and look forward to this project creating sustainable value for customers and communities across NSW.”

The REZ is expected to create 5000 new jobs at the peak of construction.

Early works have begun on a workers’ accommodation facility in Merotherie and construction will ramp up in the coming months, bringing more new jobs and procurement opportunities for local businesses.

Background:  The Central-West Orana was the first REZ to be declared in Australia and is approximately 20,000 square kilometres in size centred by Dubbo and Dunedoo, on the land of the Wiradjuri, Wailwan and Kamilaroi people. The REZ will initially unlock up to 4.5 gigawatts of
new network capacity – equivalent to powering 2 million homes.

About ACEREZ’s partners:  
ACCIONA  
ACCIONA is a global leader in sustainable infrastructure solutions with a business that spans the entire value chain from design and construction through to operation and maintenance. In Australia, ACCIONA has evolved from a rich history of local companies who have been delivering complex, sustainable and iconic transport, energy and water projects for more than 100 years including Sydney’s WestConnex, the Western Harbour Tunnel and Western Sydney Airport.

COBRA
COBRA, a VINCI subsidiary, celebrates more than 80 years as a world leader in the development, construction and operation of energy  infrastructure. With a global footprint in 43 countries, COBRA has financed, developed and delivered more than 30,000 kilometres of transmission line projects in Europe, South America, Africa and Asia and has extensive experience in Public Private Partnerships.

Endeavour Energy  Endeavour Energy is one of Australia’s most efficient electricity networks, delivering safe, reliable, sustainable and affordable electricity to 2.7 million people living and working in NSW. This includes building, managing and maintaining the electricity network spanning over 25,000 kilometres from the border of the Central-West Orana REZ in central western NSW to the Blue Mountains, Greater Western Sydney, Southern Highlands, the Illawarra and South Coast of NSW.  Endeavour Energy is committed to decarbonising the grid by 2035 and is leading Australia’s energy industry in integrating traditional and renewable energy sources to deliver a smarter, cleaner, affordable and more reliable energy system, with clear commitments and pathways to creating sustainable value for customers and communities.

MEDIA: Sharon Labi | media@acerez.com.au | 0448 065 265