In a major milestone for NSW’s energy future, the first transmission tower has been raised in Australia’s first Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

The Central-West Orana REZ will deliver enough energy to power more than 2 million homes and will ramp up from 2028, keeping the lights on and putting downward pressure on prices as coal-fired power stations retire.

The 70-metre, 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission tower was pre-assembled on the ground in 19 sections by network operator ACEREZ and lifted into place by crane. The tower was built using 2,862 steel components and 6,252 bolts.

The REZ is expected to attract up to $25 billion in private investment and is forecast to support 1,850 direct jobs in the local area during construction and about 930 ongoing operational jobs.

More than 110 local businesses are already working on the project, with more than a third of the workforce drawn from the region.

The Central-West Orana REZ is also delivering $128 million in Community and Employment Benefit Program grants to the region. More than $7 2 million has already been awarded to support 75 projects across local communities: from housing to water infrastructure, skills training centres and sporting facilities.

More funding will flow over the coming decades through fees paid by energy generators that connect to the REZ network infrastructure.

The recently announced ACEREZ Community Grants Program will also award up to $4 million to community initiatives across the Central-West Orana REZ this year.

Quote attributable to EnergyCo Chief Executive Officer Hannah McCaughey

“Reaching this milestone reflects years of planning and collaboration with landholders, communities, industry and our delivery partner ACEREZ.

“EnergyCo is focused on making sure this infrastructure is delivered safely, efficiently and in a way that creates lasting benefits for the Central‑West Orana region and the state.”

Quote attributable to ACEREZ Chief Executive Officer Steve Masters

“This is a once-in-a generation project and ACEREZ is proud to be playing its part in delivering this critical infrastructure to secure the state’s energy future.

“ACEREZ is committed to supporting regional jobs and providing a boost to local economies, leaving a positive legacy for years to come.”

Information for the media

What is a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ)?

  • REZs will group new wind and solar power generation into locations where it can be efficiently stored and transmitted across NSW.
  • Five zones have been identified and will keep electricity reliable as coal-fired power stations retire, by delivering large amounts of energy.
  • REZs will help deliver lower wholesale electricity costs and place downward pressure on customer bills through increased competition.

What is the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone?

  • The state’s first REZ is in the Central West Orana region, centred by Dubbo and Dunedoo. It takes in Gulgong, Mudgee, Wellington, Gilgandra and other towns.
  • Transmission lines for the Central West Orana REZ will travel 240 kilometres. The easement will take in 0.04% of the total agricultural land in the four impacted local government areas.
  • ACEREZ, a partnership of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy, was appointed network operator by EnergyCo to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the transmission network for the CentralWest Orana REZ.
    http://www.acerez.com.au/

How are workers and businesses benefiting from the Central Zone?

  • More than 500 people living in Central West NSW are employed on the transmission project.
  • 110 local suppliers from the REZ and surrounding LGAs have been engaged by ACEREZ as of February.
  • 350 local businesses are registered on the ACEREZ project business register, including 45 Aboriginal owned businesses.
  • $346.4 million has been awarded to Australian and New Zealand businesses as of February 2026.