The project remains on track for energisation from 2028 and will unlock enough renewable energy generation and storage to power up to 2.7 million NSW homes during periods of peak demand.

Steve Masters, ACEREZ Chief Executive Officer, said the milestone demonstrated strong progress on Australia's first Renewable Energy Zone.

“Every pull, every join, every metre of conductor brings us closer to delivering clean, reliable energy to homes and businesses across NSW,” Mr Masters said.

“This is complex, highly coordinated work, and our crews have delivered it with precision. It’s an important achievement and a clear sign of the progress we’re making toward energising Australia’s first Renewable Energy Zone,” he said.

Connecting the network

Stringing is a critical stage of transmission network construction, involving the installation of high-voltage conductors between towers to create a continuous pathway for electricity.

With 64 towers already erected across the project corridor, construction crews are now working to progressively connect the network through a series of cable pulls between structures.

The transmission lines will extend across the Central-West Orana REZ transmission network from Elong Elong through the Sandy Lane Energy Hub to Barigan Creek, where the project connects with the grid. Once complete, the network will span 240 kilometres and form the backbone of the state's first Renewable Energy Zone, enabling renewable energy generators and storage providers to connect efficiently to the grid.

The scale of the operation

The scale of the operation highlights the complexity of the project. Transmission cable is delivered on drums carrying up to 2,500 metres of conductor, while each winch used to pull the cable weighs approximately nine tonnes.

Benefits for regional communities

Beyond delivering critical energy infrastructure, the Central-West Orana REZ is generating significant benefits for regional communities. The project includes a $128 million Community and Employment Benefit Program, with more than $72 million already awarded to support 75 local initiatives. Funded projects include housing, water infrastructure, skills training centres and community sporting facilities.

ACEREZ has also delivered over $2.1 million to support 46 community projects in the first round of a three-year, $10 million Community Grants Program.

About ACEREZ

ACEREZ, a partnership of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy, was appointed by EnergyCo to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Central-West Orana REZ transmission network. The milestone marks another step towards delivering the infrastructure required to connect large-scale renewable energy projects and support New South Wales' future energy needs.