The first of several Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) in New South Wales is a step closer to beginning development following the announcement of three shortlisted tenderers to deliver the project.
Three consortia have been shortlisted for a significant role in the establishment of Australia’s first renewable energy zone, which is a key component of the State’s energy infrastructure plans that aim to put downward pressure on electricity costs.
The shortlist of tenderers for the Central-West Orana REZ transmission network includes:
The winning tenderer will become the network operator for the project and will be responsible for designing, financing, building, operating and maintaining the network infrastructure for the Central-West Orana REZ.
“The network operator will play a critical role in the REZ by connecting power from energy suppliers, including wind and solar farms, and distributing it to energy consumers across the State,” Deputy Premier Paul Toole said.
The Central-West Orana REZ will play a vital role in New South Wales’ plans to provide a cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy sector under the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said: “Combining generation and storage with poles and wires, the REZ will capitalise on economies of scale to deliver to homes and businesses in NSW.”
Not only will the REZ project deliver lower electricity costs, but it is also expected to bring over $5 billion in new private investment to the Central-West Orana region as well as support about 3,900 peak jobs during the construction phase. This development will also open opportunities for the delivery of a suite of community initiatives funded by renewable generation projects.
New South Wales’ Energy Corporation (EnergyCo) will be inviting the shortlisted tenderers soon to respond to a Request for Proposal and the contract to be awarded in 2023.
Renewable Energy Zones are considered modern-day power stations that combine renewable energy generation such as solar and wind, storage such as batteries as well as high-voltage poles and wires to deliver affordable, clean and more reliable electricity to businesses, homes and industries.
The Central-West Orana REZ is located around Dubbo and Wellington, on the land of the Wiradjuri, Wailwan and Kamilaroi people.
Once operational, it is expected to provide 3GW of new network capacity, enough to power 1.4 million homes.
Source: NSW Government (1, 2); Energy Magazine; InnovationAus.com