Central-West Orana REZ Access Scheme Headroom Decision 

In December 2023, the Minister for Energy increased the intended network capacity of the Central-West Orana REZ from 3 GW to 6 GW, noting it will initially operate at 4.5 GW.

On 16 January 2025, EnergyCo formally updated the amount of renewable generation and storage that can connect to the transmission network in the Central-West Orana REZ to 7.7 gigawatts (GW) driving greater benefits to NSW energy consumers and the host community.  

The increase in transfer capacity was formalised under the Central-West Orana REZ Access Scheme via a transfer capacity determination.  

The network capacity of 4.5 GW allows for 7.7 GW of renewable energy and storage projects to connect because wind, solar and battery projects can operate at different times of the day and do not all export energy at exactly the same time.  

The capacity increase does not increase the scope of the Central-West Orana REZ transmission corridor. Extensions are not currently proposed and would be subject to separate planning and regulatory approval processes.

The decision to increase the generation capacity of the Central-West Orana REZ was made following consultation on the Notification of Draft Headroom Assessment which was published on 1 August 2024, with stakeholder feedback incorporated where appropriate.

For more information please see The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone: Headroom Assessment – Final Decision or view the factsheet on this decision.