TransGrid is working with the NSW Government to plan new transmission infrastructure for Australia's first coordinated Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in the state's Central-West Orana region.
Investment in the new infrastructure will allow renewable energy providers from the region to connect to the grid and enable more affordable, reliable and clean energy for New South Wales customers.
What is a REZ?
REZs are the modern day equivalent of traditional power stations. They combine renewable energy generation (such as wind and solar), energy storage (such as batteries and pumped hydro), and high-voltage structures and transmission lines to deliver energy to homes, businesses and industries that need it.
By connecting multiple energy generators and storage at the same location, REZs capitalise on economies of scale and deliver affordable, reliable and clean electricity for NSW.
Project benefits
- Lower wholesale electricity costs – by placing downward pressure on customer bills through increased competition
- Improve reliability – by delivering large amounts of new energy supply
- New local jobs – opportunities for local workers and businesses during construction
- Reduce emissions and deliver a greater mix of renewable energy in the National Electricity Market, supporting Australia’s transition to a lower carbon future.
Project scope
TransGrid is planning new 500kV and 330 kV transmission lines, substation(s) and related infrastructure to support the development of the Central-West Orana REZ.
REZs are modern power stations. They combine transmission, large scale generation (such as solar and wind), storage and connection infrastructure.
TransGrid’s existing substation at Wollar will also be upgraded as part of the Central-West Orana REZ Transmission (Transmission project). The project has received funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of ARENA's Advancing Renewables Program.
Where is it located?
The transmission project is in its early investigation stages. A route for the transmission lines has not yet been decided.
The project study corridor – a broad area of investigation where the transmission lines and infrastructure could be located – runs north-west from the existing 500kV network near Merriwa, passing south of Dunedoo before connecting to the existing network east of Wellington. It also includes an option to extend south to near Lake Burrendong. The study corridor is generally between 3-6 kilometres wide and approximately 180 kilometres in length.
The identification of the study corridor is one of the early steps in the process of developing the Transmission project. Further refinement of the corridor will take place throughout 2021-2022.
View the study corridor and submit feedback using this interactive map.
Latest updates
We are currently meeting and working with landowners and local communities to discuss constraints and opportunities within the study corridor, including carrying out environmental surveys to help with informing route identification.
From September 2021, ecology surveys are planned to start on public and private land located within the study corridor, COVID-19 restrictions permitting. This information will help identify existing animal and plant species and their habitats within the study corridor.
For more information on the process see our land access factsheet and ecology survey factsheet.
We’re continually monitoring the status of COVID-19 and health and government advice. We’re committed to working with landowners and the community to adapt to the changing circumstances.
