ACEN Australia’s $760 Million Stubbo Solar Project In New South Wales Reaches Full Commercial Operation As First LTESA-Supported Solar Generator

ACEN Australia has announced that its Stubbo Solar project in New South Wales has reached full commercial operation, becoming the first solar generator supported by a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) to do so. This marks a significant milestone in the state’s clean energy transition and highlights ACEN Australia’s growing contribution to renewable energy development in the country. Developed before the formal establishment of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the Stubbo Solar project bridges two eras of Australia’s renewable energy policy. It now stands as one of the largest solar projects ever built in the nation, reinforcing ACEN’s role as a leading renewable energy developer.

The achievement was celebrated at an onsite ceremony attended by New South Wales Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heritage, Penny Sharpe. She was joined by Ayala Corporation President and CEO and ACEN Chairman Cezar “Bong” Consing, ACEN President and CEO Eric Francia, and ACEN Australia Executive Chairman Jose Maria Zabaleta, along with members of the ACEN Australia team. The project represents an investment of approximately AUS $760 million and has a capacity of 520 MWdc (400 MWac). Once fully operational, Stubbo Solar will generate enough clean electricity to power around 185,000 Australian homes, contributing significantly to the state’s renewable energy supply.

Jose Maria Zabaleta said the project reflects ACEN’s long-term commitment to advancing Australia’s clean energy future. He emphasized that Stubbo Solar demonstrates how clear government policy and strong partnerships can enable large-scale renewable energy investments. ACEN Australia Managing Director David Pollington explained that the project’s journey began several years ago, long before current renewable energy frameworks were in place. What started as a single-site concept has now become one of the most substantial renewable energy investments in regional New South Wales. He added that as the market evolves with rising costs and changing delivery conditions, maintaining collaboration between government and industry will be vital to ensuring that policy settings remain effective and supportive of continued investment.

Stubbo Solar’s successful delivery was made possible through collaboration with several key partners. PCL Construction served as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, while Lumea, the commercial arm of Transgrid, worked with ACEN Australia to provide a safe and efficient connection to the New South Wales electricity network. The project has also been designed to include a 200 MW / 800 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), which will enhance the site’s ability to provide firming capacity and ensure a reliable supply of renewable energy as the grid transitions toward decarbonization.

In addition, Stubbo Solar recently became the first large-scale solar project to receive full circularity certification under the Circular PV Alliance framework. This certification ensures that all 930,000 solar panels used in the project will be either reused or recycled at the end of their lifecycle, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in Australia’s solar industry. During construction, ACEN Australia invested nearly AUS $85 million into the New South Wales economy. This included around AUS $60 million in contracts, employment, and procurement opportunities for businesses within the Mid-Western Regional Council area and neighboring local government regions.

The project also contributed AUS $3.2 million to First Nations businesses and more than AUS $400,000 to community initiatives through its voluntary Social Investment Program, which supports local education, skills development, and community well-being. Located approximately 10 kilometers north of Gulgong in central-west New South Wales, Stubbo Solar stands as a strong example of how innovation, collaboration, and sustainable design can drive Australia’s clean energy future while delivering meaningful benefits to local communities.