ACEN Corporation, through its wholly owned subsidiary ACEN Australia, has secured grid access rights for three major renewable energy projects in New South Wales, marking a significant milestone in its Australian expansion strategy.
The access was granted through a competitive process administered by ACE-REZ on behalf of the New South Wales Government. The awarded grid rights enable ACEN to connect the following projects to the Central West-Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ):
- 920 MW Valley of the Winds Wind Project
- 600 MWac (780 MWdc) Birriwa Solar Project
- 600 MW / 2-hour Birriwa Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
The Birriwa Solar and BESS projects received planning approval from the New South Wales Department of Planning in August 2024. Meanwhile, the Valley of the Winds project is currently undergoing final development planning review.
This development follows ACEN Australia’s successful AUD 750 million portfolio debt refinancing in April 2025. The refinancing aims to strengthen the company’s regional funding structure and reinforce its clean energy ambitions in Australia.
David Pollington, Managing Director of ACEN Australia, stated, “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.”
He added, “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.”
ACEN emphasized that the grid access is a strategic step in diversifying its Australian portfolio and enhancing the country’s energy resilience.
ACEN, the Ayala Group’s listed energy platform, holds around 7 GW of attributable renewable energy capacity across projects in operation, construction, and under signed agreements. While the Philippines remains its core market, ACEN also maintains a strong presence in Australia, Vietnam, India, and Lao PDR, with investments in Indonesia and other regions.
The company is on track to achieve 100% renewable energy generation by 2025 and has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, aligning with its long-term sustainability goals.
Meanwhile, ACEN reported a 28% decline in its consolidated net income for Q1 2025, falling to PHP 1.95 billion, citing weaker performance in the Philippines and Australia. However, total renewable energy output rose by 3% to 1,680 GWh, driven by new plant contributions and international growth. Core attributable EBITDA increased by 7% to PHP 5.6 billion, supported mainly by stronger earnings from Vietnam and India.
