Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone Build and Construction

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The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) transmission project, a $3.2 billion initiative in New South Wales, is Australia’s first declared REZ, spanning 20,000 square kilometers around Dubbo and Dunedoo. Led by the ACEREZ consortium—comprising ACCIONA, Cobra, and Endeavour Energy—the project, contracted by EnergyCo, involves designing, financing, building, operating, and maintaining a transmission network for 35 years. It aims to deliver 4.5 gigawatts (GW) of network capacity by 2028, connecting 7.7 GW of wind, solar, and storage projects to power over 2 million homes, with plans to expand to 6 GW by 2038.

Construction began in April 2025, following financial close and NSW government approval. The project includes 90 kilometres of 500kV and 150 kilometres of 330kV transmission lines, linking Elong Elong to Barigan Creek via the Merotherie power center, with eight substations. Early works focus on access track construction, road upgrades, and earthworks, including drainage, rock breaking, and culvert laying. A workers’ accommodation facility at Merotherie supports the 5,000 construction jobs, prioritising local employment and businesses, with opportunities posted via the Industry Capability Network.

Civil Labour
Electricians
Pipe Layers
Machine Operators
Trade Assistants
CW2-CW5
Skilled Labour
Civil Supervisors
Spotters
Riggers

Sustainability is central, with biodiversity offsets and conservation management funded by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation’s $490 million investment. ACEREZ emphasizes community engagement, collaborating with landowners, Aboriginal communities, and councils. Community forums across Wellington, Dubbo, and Mudgee have engaged nearly 300 stakeholders. The project, backed by a $10 billion private investment through 2030, aims to decarbonize the grid, support NSW’s net-zero goals, and provide economic benefits through local procurement and job creation.

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