ACEN Aussie project secures grid access

ACEN Australia, the wholly-owned unit of Ayala-backed ACEN Corp., has secured access rights to the Central West-Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ) in New South Wales for three major clean energy projects.

In a stock exchange report on Friday, the company said the grid access covers the 920-megawatt (MW) Valley of the Winds wind project, the 600 MW alternating current Birriwa Solar project, and the 600 MW/2-hour Birriwa Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). 

All three projects will connect to new transmission infrastructure under the CWO REZ.

The Birriwa Solar and BESS projects received approval from the state’s Department of Planning in August 2024, while the Valley of the Winds is in the final stage of the planning review process.

Disciplined approach

“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,” said ACEN Australia managing director David Pollington.

“This is a strong vote of confidence in ACEN Australia’s capability to realize 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,” he added.

According to ACEN, the development followed ACEN Australia’s $750-million portfolio debt refinancing, which was completed last month. The refinancing established a strong, independent funding platform for its regional operations.