Supporting the design and coordination of high-capacity transmission infrastructure for renewable energy in New South Wales

Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone Utility Design and Coordination

The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in New South Wales is a major engineering initiative designed to generate over six gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy through wind, solar, and battery projects. As the preferred network operator by EnergyCo, a consortium comprised of Acciona, Cobra, and Endeavour Energy (ACEREZ) engaged our team to provide utility design and coordination services for the new transmission infrastructure.

Key components of our services included utility authority liaison and management, detailed design of 40 essential energy (electricity distribution network) asset relocations and undergrounding, and space proving and coordination of 20 Telstra (telecommunications) asset relocations and protections. We also designed temporary protection structures such as hurdles and netting to facilitate stringing of the new transmission conductors. Additionally, we coordinated power outages, conducted subsurface utility locating and surveys, provided proof engineering and independent engineering checks for access tracks and road upgrades, and performed road safety audits for road upgrades required throughout the project.

Spanning over 20,000 square kilometres (12,427 square miles) around Dubbo, Dunedoo, and Mudgee, the REZ will be serviced by these new high-capacity transmission lines and energy hubs. This infrastructure will transfer power generated by renewable sources to electricity consumers, enhancing grid stability and efficiency.