ACEN Secures Access to Australia’s Central West-Orana Renewable Energy Zone

ACEN Corporation, through its wholly owned subsidiary ACEN Australia, has attained grid access rights for three major renewable energy projects in New South Wales, a significant key development in the company’s ongoing expansion in the Australian clean energy market.

The access rights, granted through a competitive process administered by ACE-REZ on behalf of the New South Wales Government, enable the connection of the following projects to the Central West-Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ):

• The 920 MW Valley of the Winds wind project
• The 600 MWac (780 MWdc) Birriwa Solar project
• The 600 MW / 2-hour Birriwa Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

The Birriwa Solar and BESS projects were approved by the New South Wales Department of Planning in August 2024, while the Valley of the Winds project is undergoing the final stage of development planning review.

This event follows ACEN Australia’s successful close of a AUD 750 million portfolio debt refinancing in April 2025, aimed at establishing a more robust, independent regional funding platform to support clean energy development.

“This is a strong vote of confidence in ACEN Australia’s capability to realise the full value of these projects for all stakeholders, and reinforces our long-term commitment to regional investment, job creation and responsible project development across New South Wales and beyond,” said David Pollington, Managing Director of ACEN Australia.

“Securing access rights for these high-value projects reflects our disciplined, responsible approach to development and strengthens ACEN Australia’s position as a trusted partner in our nation’s clean economy,” Pollington added.

The company attributed the access rights as an important step in the strategic growth and diversification of its Australian portfolio. The new infrastructure will play a pivotal role in supporting Australia’s energy resilience, according to the firm.

ACEN, the Ayala Group’s listed energy platform, has about 7 gigawatts of attributable renewable energy capacity spanning projects in operation, under construction, or under signed agreements. While the Philippines remains its core market, ACEN also has a strong presence in Australia, Vietnam, India, and Lao PDR, with investments in Indonesia and other markets as well.

The company remains on track to achieve 100% renewable energy generation by 2025 and has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, in line with its long-term sustainability goals.

On May 8, ACEN reported its consolidated net income for the first quarter of 2025 went down by 28% to  PHP 1.95 billion, as weaker results in the Philippines and Australia offset gains from its international portfolio.

However, despite the income drop, ACEN’s renewables output rose 3% to 1,680 GWh, driven by new plant contributions and increased stakes abroad. The company’s core attributable EBITDA grew 7% to  PHP 5.6 billion, supported by stronger international performance, particularly in Vietnam and India.

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