VINCI Secures Australia’s First PPP for Power Transmission
In a groundbreaking development for Australia’s energy infrastructure, the Acerez consortium composed of VINCI through its subsidiary Cobra IS, Acciona, and Endeavour Energy—has reached financial close with the Government of New South Wales (NSW) for the country’s first public-private partnership (PPP) in the field of electricity transmission. This landmark 35-year agreement represents a significant milestone in both public-private collaboration and Australia’s transition to renewable energy.
A Historic Public-Private Agreement
The agreement is the first of its kind in Australia’s electricity transmission sector. Under this long-term PPP framework, the Acerez consortium will be responsible for the financing, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of critical electricity transmission infrastructure. The project includes more than 240 kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines operating at 330 kilovolts (kV) and 500 kV, alongside the development of eight large-scale substations. These systems will connect renewable energy production parks—primarily photovoltaic (solar) and onshore wind farms—to the national grid.
This ambitious infrastructure effort is a key part of New South Wales’ strategic push toward decarbonizing its energy supply. By 2028, the completed transmission system will integrate an additional 4.5 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy into the grid, providing enough electricity to power around two million homes. The project is expected to significantly reduce reliance on aging coal-fired power stations and reinforce the long-term stability of the state’s power network.
Supporting the Orana Renewable Energy Zone
This initiative is central to the development of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), one of the first REZs created under NSW’s ambitious clean energy roadmap. The REZs are geographic areas identified as optimal for the coordinated development of large-scale renewable energy generation and storage projects. By aligning infrastructure development with energy generation, these zones aim to accelerate the deployment of clean energy while minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency.
The Central-West Orana REZ will become a model for future zones across Australia. Strategically located in the Orana region, it brings together the generation and transmission of clean energy in a single integrated development approach. This zone is a crucial step in achieving NSW’s climate targets, including the retirement of existing coal plants and the phasing in of cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Beyond its energy goals, the project is poised to deliver major economic benefits to the region. At the height of construction, it is expected to create approximately 5,000 jobs, stimulating employment across sectors including construction, engineering, logistics, and professional services. These jobs will not only contribute to local economies but also provide upskilling and long-term career opportunities, especially in regional communities that are often underserved by large-scale infrastructure investment.
Furthermore, the REZ is forecasted to attract as much as AUD 20 billion in private investment by the year 2030. This influx of capital is expected to have a ripple effect across various industries, catalyzing new business opportunities, enhancing regional development, and positioning New South Wales as a national leader in renewable energy deployment.
Cobra IS and Its Global Expertise
One of the consortium’s major players, Cobra IS (Industrial Services), brings decades of expertise in electricity transmission and infrastructure development, especially from its extensive portfolio in Brazil—one of the most complex and expansive energy markets in the world. With its proven ability to deliver complex electrical infrastructure on time and on budget, Cobra IS is well positioned to lead the technical execution of this ambitious Australian project.
Deploying its knowledge and best practices from global markets, Cobra IS will oversee much of the technical implementation, ensuring that the project meets stringent standards for reliability, efficiency, and sustainability. The involvement of Cobra IS in this initiative demonstrates the transfer of global know-how to the Australian market and underscores the increasingly international nature of infrastructure delivery.
Acciona and Endeavour Energy: Strategic Collaborators
Spanish multinational Acciona, renowned for its renewable energy expertise and infrastructure capabilities, plays a vital role in this collaboration. With a strong Australian presence and a commitment to sustainable development, Acciona adds valuable local knowledge and operational experience to the consortium. The company’s involvement ensures the project’s alignment with Australia’s renewable energy policies and market conditions.
Endeavour Energy, one of Australia’s largest electricity distribution companies, adds further strength to the consortium. With deep roots in the New South Wales energy landscape and extensive experience in managing energy assets, Endeavour brings operational agility and local stakeholder relationships that are essential for successful project delivery.
A Model for Future PPPs
This first-of-its-kind transmission PPP is expected to serve as a blueprint for future public-private partnerships in Australia’s utility sector. The model brings together government oversight and private sector innovation to deliver critical public infrastructure, reduce project risk, and ensure value for money.
The partnership structure ensures long-term operation and maintenance responsibilities lie with the consortium, creating strong incentives for asset quality, performance, and lifecycle efficiency. With increasing demand for clean energy and pressure on public budgets, PPPs like this can help accelerate Australia’s energy transition while sharing responsibilities and benefits among public and private players.
Commitment to Sustainability and the Energy Transition
VINCI’s involvement in this Australian transmission project aligns perfectly with its global strategy to support energy transition and reduce carbon emissions. As governments and companies around the world race to meet climate targets, VINCI is positioning itself as a key enabler of the transformation toward low-carbon economies.
Through investments in renewable energy infrastructure, smart grids, electric mobility, and efficient building technologies, VINCI is helping shape the sustainable cities and regions of tomorrow. The Orana REZ transmission project is a prime example of how the company is putting these commitments into action—facilitating clean energy access while supporting local economies and ecosystems.
