Central-West Orana REZ Transmission

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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.

What is a REZ? 

REZs are the modern-day power stations. They combine energy generation (such as wind and solar), storage (such as batteries), and 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, substation(s) 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, also includes an option to extend further south near Lake Burrendong. 

View the study corridor and submit your feedback using this interactive map. 

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

The project is receiving funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of ARENA's Advancing Renewables Program. 

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. 
  • Landowner and community engagement

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

    Landowner and community feedback will help us refine the study corridor, which is generally between three and six kilometres wide and approximately 180 kilometres long, and develop a route for the transmission lines that minimises impacts to local communities and the environment. The final transmission line easements will be either 60 metres or 80 metres wide.

    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:

    - Provide feedback about the study corridor and share information about your property and the local region via the following interactive map

    - Attend community information sessions, which will take place in February 2021 (see details below).

    - 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.

    An initial letter with information about the project was sent to landowners located within or near the study corridor and adjacent to Wollar Substation in December 2020. 

    We encourage landowners to book a COVID-safe on-property meeting or small group session with fellow landowners at a location in a town near you. 

    Upcoming community information sessions

    We will be holding community information sessions in the Central-West Orana region throughout 2021. Please come and share your views, learn more about the project and meet members of the Central-West Orana REZ Transmission project team. 

    Strict COVID-19 protocols will be in place to ensure your safety and ours. 

    If you are feeling unwell or are displaying flu like symptoms please do not attend the sessions. If you cannot attend due to illness please contact the Central-West Orana REZ Transmission team on 1800 313 212 and they will be able to organise a session with you over the phone or via video-conferencing, or alternatively an in-person session at a later date. 

  • Project approval

    In 2021, an environmental assessment planning approval process will begin which includes the preparation of two separate Scoping Reports and Environmental Impact Statements.

  • 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 transmission 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

    Landowner Consultation Booklet

    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.