4 November 2025, New South Wales, Australia – ACEN Australia’s Stubbo Solar project has become the first solar generator supported by a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) to reach full commercial operation, marking a defining moment in New South Wales’ clean energy transition.
Developed ahead of the formal establishment of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), Stubbo Solar bridged two policy eras and now stands as one of the largest solar projects ever built in Australia.
ACEN Australia marked the milestone for the AUS $760 million, 520 MWdc (400 MWac) project with an onsite ceremony on Friday, 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, together with the ACEN Australia team, to celebrate this milestone last week.
“Stubbo Solar reinforces ACEN’s long-term commitment to Australia’s clean energy future. This milestone highlights how clear policy and strong partnerships can unlock large-scale renewable investments. It also reflects the dedication of our ACEN Australia team and partners whose collaboration and hard work turned this project into a powerful example of what’s possible in the energy transition,” said ACEN Australia Executive Chairman Jose Maria Zabaleta.
ACEN Australia Managing Director David Pollington said Stubbo’s story began several years ago, long before the policy frameworks now shaping Australia’s renewable energy landscape were in place. “What started as a single-site concept has become one of the most significant renewable energy investments in regional New South Wales, built through partnership, persistence, and strategic adaptation,” Mr. Pollington said.
He added that as the market evolves, costs are rising, delivery conditions are changing rapidly, and market dynamics are shifting — pressures that reinforce the importance of partnership between government and industry to ensure policy settings remain responsive, effective, and investment-ready. ACEN Australia, he said, is proud to be part of this transition and looks forward to working closely with the New South Wales Government, partners, and stakeholders to deliver the next wave of clean, reliable, and affordable energy for the state.
Stubbo’s successful delivery was made possible through strong partnerships across the project ecosystem.
PCL Construction served as ACEN Australia’s engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, while Lumea, the commercial arm of Transgrid specializing in renewable energy grid connections and infrastructure services, partnered with ACEN Australia to deliver a safe and efficient connection to the New South Wales electricity network.
Stubbo Solar has also been designed with the provision for a 200 MW / 800 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), positioning the site to provide firming capacity and ensure reliable clean energy as the grid continues to decarbonize.
Stubbo Solar also recently became the first large-scale solar project certified for full circularity under the Circular PV Alliance framework, ensuring that all 930,000 solar panels will be reused or recycled at end of life — setting a new sustainability benchmark for the industry.
Driving regional growth and local partnerships
During construction, ACEN Australia invested nearly AUS $85 million into the NSW economy, including AUS $60 million in contracts, jobs, and procurement for businesses within the Mid-Western Regional Council area and surrounding local government areas.
The project also contributed AUS $3.2 million to First Nations businesses, and over AUS $400,000 to community initiatives through its voluntary Social Investment Program, supporting education, skills, and local well-being.
Located about 10 km north of Gulgong in central-west NSW, Stubbo Solar can generate enough clean electricity to power 185,000 Australian households.
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