The $5.5 billion Central West-Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Transmission project is the first competitively-sourced REZ transmission project in Australia, comprising 90 kilometres of 500-kilovolt (kV) and 150 kilometres of 330-kV overhead transmission lines, multiple energy hubs and supporting infrastructure. The Project will support an initial 4.5 gigawatts of network capacity. The ACEREZ consortium, comprising ACCIONA, Cobra, and Endeavour Energy, was selected to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the project for a 30-year term through a Regulated Concession Model – combining features of a Public Private Partnership and a regulated asset model. The project reached formal contract award and financial close in April 2025.
The Judging Panel commended the legal advisory services provided for the Central West Orana REZ Transmission Project. In particular, the Panel noted the challenges faced as the first project to be procured under the model and recognised the advisors for navigating the complexities involved with undertaking a market-leading approach. The Panel also acknowledged the project’s replication as a precedent for the New England REZ, as well as helping shape the development of other REZ frameworks across Australia.