ACEN Australia, the wholly-owned Australian subsidiary of ACEN, has achieved a significant milestone in its strategic expansion and diversification efforts. The company has successfully secured access rights to the Central West-Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ) in New South Wales for three of its key projects.
This crucial development allows ACEN Australia to connect its substantial renewable energy ventures – the 920 MW Valley of the Winds project, the 600 MWac (equivalent to 780 MWdc) Birriwa Solar project, and the 600 MW/2-hour Birriwa Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project – to the new CWO REZ transmission infrastructure. These infrastructure assets are being developed by ACE-REZ on behalf of the New South Wales Government following a competitive tender process.
The Birriwa Solar and BESS projects have already received approval from the New South Wales Department of Planning in August 2024. The Valley of the Winds project is currently in the final stages of its development planning review.
This announcement regarding CWO REZ access follows ACEN Australia’s successful completion of a $750 million portfolio debt refinancing last month. This refinancing has established a strong and independent regional funding platform for the company’s future endeavors.
David Pollington, Managing Director of ACEN Australia, emphasized the significance of this achievement. He stated that securing these access rights underscores the diversity of the company’s development portfolio and reinforces its capability to deliver high-quality projects that stimulate regional economic growth and enhance Australia’s energy resilience and security.
“Securing access rights for these high-value projects reflects our disciplined, responsible approach to development and strengthens ACEN Australia’s position as a trusted partner in our nation’s clean economy,” Mr. Pollington commented. “This is a strong vote of confidence in ACEN Australia’s capability to realise the full value of these projects for all stakeholders, and reinforces our long-term commitment to regional investment, job creation and responsible project development across New South Wales and beyond.”
ACEN, the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group, stands as one of the fastest-growing renewable energy platforms in the Asia Pacific region. While the Philippines remains its core and largest market, accounting for 35% of its capacity, ACEN has established a significant presence in Australia, Vietnam, India, and Lao PDR, alongside strategic investments in Indonesia and other markets.
The company currently boasts approximately 7 GW of attributable renewable energy capacity, encompassing projects in operation, under construction, and with signed agreements. As a developer, builder, and operator, ACEN leverages its agility and collaborative approach to accelerate the global energy transition.
Driven by a commitment to unlock access to clean, reliable, and affordable renewable energy, ACEN is on track to achieve 100% renewable energy generation by 2025 and reach Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This ambitious vision translates into tangible impact for businesses, communities, and indigenous groups.
