The New South Wales government has unveiled plans for 10 new wind, solar, and storage projects in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), a move set to deliver clean energy to millions of homes and businesses across the state.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in Australia’s transition away from coal and towards a modern, reliable, and sustainable energy grid.
The Central-West Orana REZ, spanning approximately 20,000 square kilometres around Dubbo and Dunedoo, is the state’s first renewable energy zone and will initially unlock at least 4.5 gigawatts of new network capacity by the late 2020s.
This is enough to power more than two million homes each year, according to project estimates.
Construction of new transmission infrastructure is scheduled to begin in mid-2025, connecting these renewable projects to the broader NSW electricity grid.
The initiative is expected to attract up to $20 billion in private investment and support over 5,000 construction jobs at its peak, bringing a substantial economic boost to the Central-West Orana region and beyond.
Energy experts have welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of expanding renewable capacity as coal-fired power stations retire.
Greg Bourne, Climate Councillor and energy expert, said: “Growing our wind and solar generation capacity is integral to fortifying Australia’s energy mix as polluting coal use declines.
“More gigawatts of energy and storage will see millions more Australian homes and businesses powered by cleaner, cheaper energy.
“Renewable power like wind and solar, backed by storage, can meet almost all of our electricity needs around the clock.
“New South Wales can get there by strategically building out the critical connections between projects and transmission infrastructure across the state, through Renewable Energy Zones like this one.
“In addition to keeping the lights on and reducing our energy bills, renewables bring lasting benefits like good jobs and upgrades to essential infrastructure and services in communities.”
Amanda McKenzie, CEO of the Climate Council, added: “The Federal Election was a massive endorsement of the Labor government’s renewable energy policies, which can keep our energy bills down and cut harmful climate pollution.
“The NSW government is also making progress, with new projects clustered together in Renewable Energy Zones set to make the most of our abundant sunshine and wind resources.
“This week, the Australian Energy Market Operator confirmed that renewables are supplying a record share of the power in Australia’s main energy grid.
“Pair this with more Australians embracing clean and reliable renewables, and we have a clear pathway forward when it comes to powering ourselves for generations to come.
“Staying the course will reduce energy bills and improve energy security for households and businesses, while creating regional jobs and cutting polluting fossil fuels like coal out of our energy mix.”
The announcement comes as the Australian Energy Market Operator reports that renewables supplied 43 per cent of the electricity in Australia’s main grid during the first quarter of 2025 — a record high.
Grid-scale solar, wind, and battery generation all reached new peaks, while emissions from the power sector fell to their lowest ever first-quarter level.
With three out of four of NSW’s remaining coal-fired power stations set to close within a decade, the Central-West Orana REZ is seen as crucial for maintaining reliable and affordable power supply while accelerating the state’s clean energy transition.
Beyond environmental gains, the NSW government has committed $128 million to support local councils, community groups, and First Nations organisations in regions hosting the REZ, aiming to deliver upgrades to public infrastructure, housing, health, and education services.
The Central-West Orana REZ is part of a broader strategy to modernise the state’s electricity network, positioning NSW as a leader in renewable energy and setting a template for similar zones nationwide.
As construction commences and projects ramp up, the region is poised to become a powerhouse of clean energy, jobs, and innovation — delivering on Australia’s promise of a sustainable energy future.
