Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone makes significant step forward with release of initial work packages
Released by: Minister for Energy and Climate Change
The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) transmission project has taken another significant step forward with the opening of new work packages that will bring jobs and local business opportunities to the region.
These work packages consist of contracts for items such as early earth works, drainage, fencing, and other elements of civil construction for the transmission lines.
The NSW Government wants to help local business take advantage of this opportunity. EnergyCo in collaboration with ACEREZ, a consortium of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy, are holding industry forums to promote the opportunity. These will take place across the Central-West Orana REZ between Monday 29 July and Tuesday 6 August 2024.
The forums will give businesses insight into upcoming tender opportunities, scope of works, networking opportunities, business support and resources available to apply for the work packages. The industry forums will be held at various locations within the region including Wellington, Dubbo, Mudgee, Coolah, Cassilis and Dunedoo.
The forums have been designed with input from local councils, industry groups, the Central-West Orana First Nations Working Group and Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
The Central-West Orana REZ is expected to create around 5,000 job opportunities in building the transmission and storage network. It is anticipated to bring lasting economic benefits to the region, attracting up to $20 billion in private investment by 2030 and fostering a sustainable energy future for NSW.
More information, including registration details for the forums, are available on the EnergyCo website: https://www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/cwo
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe:
“The energy transition is a once in a generation opportunity to deliver thousands of local and secure jobs and provide new work for local businesses.
“We want to help local businesses and communities secure jobs and business opportunities for coming decades.
“EnergyCo will work closely with the community in planning and delivering the Central-West Orana REZ and I encourage people and businesses throughout the Central West to find out how they can be a part of it.”
Quote attributable to ACEREZ chief executive Trevor Armstrong:
“We are really excited about the opportunities the REZ will bring to the Central-West Orana region and we can’t wait to start engaging local businesses.
“The industry forums will provide valuable insights into how ACEREZ can work together with businesses to boost the local economy.”