Australia’s leading independent law firm, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, has advised a partnership comprised of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy (ACEREZ) on its successful bid to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the transmission network infrastructure for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the first renewable energy zone in Australia.
The Central-West Orana REZ, which has now reached contractual and financial close, is one of Australia’s most innovative infrastructure projects—representing a first-of-its-kind development and a key pillar of the New South Wales Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. Designed to deliver affordable, reliable, and clean energy to homes and businesses, renewable energy zones function as modern-day power stations—integrating renewable generation (solar and wind), storage solutions (such as batteries and pumped hydro), and high-voltage transmission infrastructure.
Central-West Orana REZ is expected to drive down electricity costs and unlock over A$20 billion in new private investment, with similar zones also planned across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.
Led by partner Airlie Fox, Corrs advised ACEREZ on all aspects of the transaction. In a unique approach for a public-private partnership (PPP) project, the firm acted across all roles—representing the sponsors as well as each contractor. Corrs also advised on the project financing arrangements, including the debt package and Clean Energy Finance Corporation funding, led by partner Rommel Harding-Farrenberg.
The transaction brought together experts from across Corrs’ projects, energy and natural resources, banking and finance, corporate, planning and environment, real estate, employment and labour, technology, media and telecommunications, and tax practices. Partners Paul Brickley and Melanie Bond led separate teams advising the design and construction joint venture and maintenance and lifecycle contractor.
Commenting on the matter, lead partner Airlie Fox said: “We’re proud to have advised ACEREZ on this globally significant transaction, which marks a major step toward delivering Australia’s first renewable energy zone in the Central-West Orana and supporting a more sustainable energy future for New South Wales.
“This milestone reflects the strength of Corrs’ cross-practice collaboration, and we’re pleased to have played a role in bringing it to life.”