EnergyCo has been appointed as the Infrastructure Planner responsible for the planning, development, procurement, and oversight of New South Wales’ Renewable Energy Zones (REZs). This includes the creation of regulatory and contractual frameworks to support the delivery of network transmission infrastructure and facilitate access for generators. Herbert Smith Freehills advised EnergyCo in the establishment of these frameworks, developing a commercial structure designed to encourage private sector participation throughout the design and procurement of the REZ network operator model.
The Judging Panel shortlisted Herbert Smith Freehills for their legal and commercial advice for the regulatory framework for NSW’s Renewable Energy Zones. The Panel commended the establishment of complex legal and commercial structures that set the delivery of the REZs up for success. They also recognised their contribution to developing governance arrangements to manage the interface between REZ network operators and existing regulatory settings, support generator participation and pricing, and implement effective access schemes.