The NSW government has announced a shortlist of potential operators for Australia’s first renewable energy zone in the state’s central west.

Following a highly-subscribed tender process for the Central-West Orana renewable energy zone (REZ) transmission network, the government has named the following three consortiums:

• ACE Energy, comprising Acciona, Cobra and Endeavour Energy;

• Network REZolution, comprising Pacific Partnerships, UGL, CPB Contractors and APA Group; and

• NewGen Networks, comprising Plenary Group, Elecnor, Essential Energy and SecureEnergy

The network operator will design, finance, build, operate and maintain the network infrastructure for the Central-West Orana REZ, with new grid connections to include energy hubs and new high-capacity transmission lines.

Milestone for renewable energy

Deputy Premier Paul Toole says the announcement is an exciting milestone for he described as a modern day power station.

“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,” Mr Toole said.

Energy minister Matt Kean says the Central-West Orana REZ will play a pivotal role in the State’s plans for a cleaner energy sector under the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.

Western NSW minister Dugald Saunders says REZ will bring more than $5 billion of private investment to the region, around 3,900 jobs during construction and a suite of community initiatives to be funded by renewable generation projects.

Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) will soon invite the shortlisted tenderers to respond to a Request for Proposal, with the contract to be awarded in 2023.