Australia’s leading independent law firm, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, has advised a consortium comprised of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy (ACEREZ) on a project that will deliver an intended network capacity of up to 6 GW by 2038 from the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), and is expected to generate up to A$10 billion in private investment in the region by 2030.
ACEREZ has entered into a Commitment Deed with the NSW Government to obtain approval for the delivery, operation, and maintenance of the REZ transmission network over the next 35 years. This encompasses the development of new high-capacity transmission lines, energy hubs, and associated infrastructure. The project will enable renewable energy generators to connect to the electricity grid at a scale never seen before and is a key component in supporting the energy transition.
Led by partner Airlie Fox, Corrs advised ACEREZ on all aspects of the deal. The Corrs team was supported by partners Felicity Saxon, Rommel Harding-Farrenberg, Simon Huxley, Michael MacGinley, Jeremy Horwood and Jennee Chan, and experts from across Corrs’ Projects, Energy and Natural Resources, Banking and Finance, Corporate, Planning and Environment, Real Estate, Employment and Labour, TMT and Tax practices. Partners Paul Brickley and Melanie Bond led separate teams advising the D&C joint venture and M&L Contractor respectively.
Commenting on the matter, Corrs partner Airlie Fox said: “We are pleased to have supported ACEREZ on this globally significant deal, as they look to help deliver the nation’s first renewable energy zone in the Central-West Orana, building a sustainable energy future for New South Wales.
“Engaging expertise from across Corrs’ practice groups was central to the success of this significant milestone and we wish ACEREZ all the best.”