8 May, SYDNEY – ACEN Australia has secured access rights to the Central West-Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ) for three of its major projects in New South Wales, marking a significant step in the strategic growth and diversification of the company’s Australian portfolio.
ACEN Australia’s 920MW Valley of the Winds, 600MW Birriwa Solar and 600MW/2hr Birriwa BESS projects have secured the right to connect to the new CWO REZ transmission infrastructure assets being delivered by ACE-REZ on behalf of the New South Wales Government following a competitive tender process.
The Birriwa Solar and BESS projects were approved by the New South Wales Department of Planning in August 2024, and the Valley of the Winds project is in the final stage of the development planning review process.
The CWO REZ access announcement comes after ACEN Australia successfully closed $750 million in portfolio debt refinancing last month, establishing a robust independent regional funding platform.
ACEN Australia Managing Director David Pollington said the access rights milestone highlights the diversity of the company’s development portfolio and reinforces its capacity to deliver the quality projects that drive regional economic growth and strengthen Australia’s energy resilience and security.
“Securing access rights for these high-value projects reflects our disciplined, responsible approach to development and strengthens ACEN Australia’s position as a trusted partner in our nation’s clean economy,” Mr Pollington said.
“This is a strong vote of confidence in ACEN Australia’s capability to realise the full value of these projects for all stakeholders, and reinforces our long-term commitment to regional investment, job creation and responsible project development across New South Wales and beyond.”