Spanish wind and French nuclear heavyweights still in the running to build New England REZ

The search for a network operator to build and operate the grid infrastructure to support the New England Renewable Energy Zone in New South Wales has been narrowed down to three contenders, as the “highly competitive” selection process moves to the next stage.

EnergCo said on Thursday that the shortlisted bidders were selected following an expression of interest (EOI) process that attracted six submissions spanning companies from all corners of the globe including Australia, Spain, France, Brazil and India.

The consortia going through to the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage are Future Energy Networks, comprising Australian network group AusNet, Pacific Partnerships, GS, Hyundai, Ghella, CPB Contractors and UGL; NewLeaf Energy, comprising Spanish wind giant Iberdrola, Capella Capital, Gamuda, Samsung C&T, Ferrovial, Genus Infrastructure, and; Verta Energy, an offshoot of EDF Australia.

For the RFP stage, starting this month, each party will prepare a comprehensive proposal for delivering the REZ, and will need to demonstrate how they will grow regional jobs, support local supply chains and engage with community and key stakeholders. 

EnergyCo says the preferred network operator is expected to enter into a commitment deed by late 2027, with contract execution and financial close anticipated in 2028.

It says choosing the right network operator is critical to making the New England REZ a success.

“EnergyCo is looking for a partner that not only brings technical expertise and financial strength to this important project, but also a genuine, long-term commitment to working with local communities and First Nations people,” EnergyCo chief Hannah McCaughey said.

The New England REZ network operator will design, construct, finance, operate and maintain the new transmission lines and related infrastructure, such as energy hubs (substations), that will connect the REZ to the NSW grid.

The project is planned to be delivered in two stages, with stage one enabling a 2.4 gigawatt (GW) transfer capacity and stage two adding a further 3 GW.

Earlier this month, EnergyCo made a drastic change to the planned route of the transmission corridor leading to the REZ, cutting 98 properties from the study area and steering away from a property owned by the family of anti-renewables campaigner Barnaby Joyce.

As Renew Economy reported here, the new study area swings north in a more direct line to the REZ and now takes in the whole bottom portion of the zone and joins the original route at the Skye Ridge wind project.

EnergyCo has said the new route – the second change this year – will result in “safer and more efficient” construction and reflect community feedback. 

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