ACEREZ, the partnership of ACCIONA, COBRA, and Endeavour Energy, is pioneering the use of next-generation, cloud-based grid simulation software across the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in New South Wales, marking a significant step forward for Australia’s energy infrastructure.
As the newly appointed network operator for the country’s first REZ, ACEREZ is also set to become the first operator nationwide to construct 16 digital transmission substations — an unprecedented scale for digital substation deployment in Australia.
The Central-West Orana REZ transmission network will benefit from ACEREZ’s adoption of Siemens’ PSS®E grid simulation software, making it the single largest new customer order for Siemens in the region.
Part of Siemens’ Gridscale X portfolio, PSS®E software is already used for managing 70 per cent of the world’s electricity consumption in more than 145 countries.
It is expected to enable faster and more scalable computing for network operators and is projected to reduce engineers’ wait times by up to 85 per cent during the design, operation, and maintenance stages.
In addition to the advanced simulation tools, ACEREZ will integrate Siemens SIPROTEC 5, SICAM, and RUGGEDCOM protection and automation technologies, supporting digital twin capabilities throughout the network.
The deployment of 16 digital substations is anticipated to deliver 30–40 per cent cost savings compared to traditional substations, cut copper cabling by up to 90 per cent, and accelerate project timelines by as much as 50 per cent — all while reinforcing the infrastructure’s economic viability and environmental credentials.
Siemens Australia and New Zealand CEO, Peter Halliday, highlighted ACEREZ’s forward-looking approach: “ACEREZ is a showcase of leading technology and digitalisation.
“With digital substations, we have seen copper reduced by 90 per cent and concrete reduced by 75 per cent.
“With grid simulation software, we can make the best decisions before we even put a shovel in the ground. Ultimately, we help avoid unintended consequences.
“It’s good for business and good for the environment.”
Halliday further commended ACEREZ’s commitment: “It’s great to see ACEREZ adopting ground-breaking technologies in their commitment to making a real difference to communities and future generations.
“Ultimately, people want a resilient grid delivering constant power, one that is sustainable and efficient.
“The pathways to this are ensuring digitalisation at the heart of the grid, in the substations to increase the availability, reliability, and sustainability of the entire power supply, and staying ahead of expectations by simulating what the future could look like.
“The end result is an improvement in the energy transition that is better for business, society and the environment.”
Once operational, the Central-West Orana REZ is expected to initially unlock up to 4.5 gigawatts of network capacity by 2028, enabling the connection of large-scale generation and storage projects.
This enhanced capacity is projected to deliver $3 billion in net benefits for energy consumers in New South Wales, foster $20 billion in private investment by 2030, and provide the foundation for long-term economic growth in the region.
The initiative supports NSW’s pathway to a net zero future, positioning the state as a leader in sustainable energy transition.
Alongside Siemens’ hardware and software, ACEREZ will benefit from the support of Siemens Power Technologies International (PTI) consultancy.
PTI will assist with developing an automation framework using digital twin technology to evaluate new power plant models’ compliance and will establish requirements for conducting Small Signal Stability assessments — a move designed to increase network reliability and facilitate smooth market integration for new energy resources.
This project establishes a blueprint for the future of electricity transmission and underlines the critical role of digitalisation and international expertise in steering Australia towards a sustainable and resilient energy landscape.