ACEN Gains Grid Access for 2.1 GW in Australia

ACEN Corporation has secured grid access rights for three major renewable energy projects in New South Wales, advancing its expansion in Australia’s clean energy sector.

The access, granted through a competitive process by ACE-REZ on behalf of the New South Wales Government, covers over 2.1 gigawatts of planned capacity.

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

The Birriwa Solar and BESS projects received development approval from the New South Wales Department of Planning in August 2024.

The Valley of the Winds project is in the final stage of development planning review.

“This is a strong vote of confidence in ACEN Australia’s capability to realise the full value of these projects for all stakeholders,” said David Pollington, Managing Director of ACEN Australia.

Pollington added that the move “reinforces our long-term commitment to regional investment, job creation and responsible project development across New South Wales and beyond.”

“Securing access rights for these high-value projects reflects our disciplined, responsible approach to development,” he said.

The announcement follows ACEN Australia’s successful AUD 750 million debt refinancing in April 2025 to support independent, regional clean energy growth.

ACEN said the infrastructure will strengthen Australia’s energy resilience and marks a key milestone in its strategic portfolio diversification.

The Ayala Group-owned company holds about 7 GW of attributable renewable capacity across the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, India, and Lao PDR.

While the Philippines remains its core market, ACEN continues to expand investments in Indonesia and other regional hubs.

ACEN targets 100% renewable energy generation by 2025 and net zero emissions by 2050.

The company reported a consolidated net income of PHP 1.95 billion for the first quarter of 2025, down 28% year-on-year.

The decline was driven by softer performance in the Philippines and Australia, although international operations helped mitigate losses.

Renewable energy output rose 3% to 1,680 GWh, with increased contributions from new assets and stronger global positions.

Core attributable EBITDA climbed 7% to PHP 5.6 billion, led by gains in Vietnam and India.