Arcadis, a leading global design and consultancy for natural and built assets, has announced their NSW Highways & Civil Engineering Team have been selected as the Technical and Environmental Advisor for the “Port to REZ” Road Upgrade Program for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
The transition from fossil fuel-generated energy to clean energy is fundamental for Australia's future quality of life. This initiative aligns with dynamic energy transition efforts and will support the National Electricity Market by stimulating job creation and boosting the regional economy.
The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) is leading the planning and delivery of the NSW REZs. The Central-West Orana is Australia’s first REZ and is a prime spot for renewable energy generation, thus holding vast potential for impactful solar and wind ventures. The Central-West Orana REZ will unlock at least three gigawatts of new network capacity and at its peak, is expected to support around 5,000 construction jobs in the region.
The construction of new transmission infrastructure and generation projects in the REZ will require transportation of over-size and over-mass (OSOM) components such as 85m long wind turbine blades and other renewable energy components weighing up to 220 tonnes.
To provide safe and reliable transportation of OSOM vehicles, road upgrades are required across a number of sites along a 300km route between the Port of Newcastle and the CWO REZ. The transportation route for the Port to REZ (P2R) follows the state road network from the Port of Newcastle, over 300km along the New England, Golden and Castlereagh Highways.
Dion Bowen, Project Manager, Arcadis said: "Improving the infrastructure surrounding the new REZ is critical to its successful operation and ongoing efficiency. This project will provide improved road networks to transport heavy kit required to build the solar and wind farms in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, ultimately expanding the clean electricity coverage to other regions".
Arcadis will focus on achieving design and environmental approvals within EnergyCo’s timeline. The strategy to do so includes designing road upgrades, project management and case studies with smart solutions. Arcadis will also coordinate with local sub-consultants, including a specialist haulage contractor.
The proposed modifications for the P2R route are slated for design approval and subsequent construction, with works due to begin in 2024.
