Central-West Orana REZ Transmission

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TransGrid is working with the NSW Government to plan new transmission infrastructure for the development of Australia’s first coordinated Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in the state’s Central-West Orana region.

What is a REZ? 

Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) are the modern-day equivalent of traditional power stations. They combine energy generation (such as wind and solar), storage (such as batteries), and the high-voltage poles and wires to deliver energy to the homes, businesses and industries that need it. By connecting multiple solar and wind generators, and energy storage in the same region, REZs capitalise on economies of scale and deliver affordable, reliable and clean electricity for NSW. 

What is the Central-West Orana REZ Transmission?

TransGrid is planning new transmission lines, substations and related infrastructure to support the delivery of a pilot REZ in the Central-West Orana region.

The proposed transmission lines will run north-west from the existing network near Merriwa, passing south of Dunedoo before connecting to the existing network east of Wellington. The study corridor (shown on the map to the right) also includes an option to extend further south near Lake Burrendong.

TransGrid’s existing substation at Wollar will also be upgraded as part of the project.

What are the project benefits?

  • Lower wholesale electricity costs – placing downward pressure on customer bills through increased competition
  • Improved reliability – by delivering large amounts of new energy supply
  • New local jobs – opportunities for local workers and businesses during procurement and construction
  • Reduced emissions and a greater mix of renewable energy in the National Electricity Market, supporting Australia’s transition to a lower carbon future. 
The project is receiving funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of ARENA's Advancing Renewables Program. 
  • Community engagement

    Consulting with local communities and landowners is vital to the success of the Central-West Orana REZ Transmission. 

    Community and landowner feedback will help us refine the study corridor and develop a preferred transmission line route that minimises impacts to local communities and the environment. 

    Throughout 2021, there will be many opportunities for landowners and the community to get involved and have their say on the project. We encourage you to:

    • Attend community information sessions, which will take place in February 2021 (to be advertised in local papers and on this page)
    • Provide feedback about the study corridor via an online interactive map (available early 2021)
    • Check this page for regular project updates and fact sheets
    • Contact our project hotline 1800 313 212 (toll free number) or send us an email to cwo@transgrid.com.au  

    If you own property located within or near the study corridor or adjacent to Wollar Substation, you will receive a letter with information about the project in December 2020. 

  • Project approval

    In 2021, an environmental assessment planning approval process will begin which includes the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement.

  • About the Central-West Orana REZ

    The Central-West Orana REZ will be the first REZ to be rolled out under the NSW Government’s Electricity Strategy and Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. Further REZs will also be developed in the New England, South-West, Hunter-Central Coast and Illawarra regions. The REZs will play a vital role in delivering affordable energy to help replace the State’s existing power stations as they retire over the next 15 years.

    The Central-West Orana REZ is expected to:

    • Unlock at least 3,000 megawatts of new capacity by the mid-2020s 

    • Attract up to $5.2 billion in private investment into the Central-West Orana region 

    • Support around 3,900 construction jobs at its peak in the local region

    The NSW Government is leading the delivery of REZs and the Government controlled statutory authority, the Energy Corporation of NSW, will coordinate electricity infrastructure delivery in the REZs and engage with communities to understand local expectations and realise local benefits.

  • Online resources

    Project factsheet

    Project FAQs


  • Connect with us

    To contact the Central-West Orana REZ Transmission project team, phone 1800 313 212 (toll free number) or email cwo@transgrid.com.au 

    For further information about the Central-West Orana REZ, visit the NSW Government’s website www.energy.nsw.gov.au/renewable-energy-zones or contact the NSW Government via rez@planning.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 305 695.