ACEREZ has appointed a new CEO to deliver the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), with the network operator gearing up to begin construction.
Following the resignation of outgoing ACEREZ CEO, Trevor Armstrong, Steve Masters will take up the torch as CEO, and lead the joint venture between Endeavour Energy, Acciona and COBRA as it delivers the nation-critical project.
A highly regarded infrastructure and energy industry executive, Mr Masters’ experience includes the role of Chief Executive at ElectraNet, the electricity transmission network owner and operator in South Australia, for seven years.
Mr Armstrong stepped down as ACEREZ CEO after Financial Close on the Central-West Orana REZ transmission project was achieved in April 2025.
The ACEREZ Partnership Committee said Mr Masters is an outstanding energy leader and will drive the next stage of the project as it moves into construction, following the signing of a milestone contract with the New South Wales Government.
“Steve has three decades of experience spanning infrastructure, energy and resources and a proven track record delivering major projects,” the Committee said.
Mr Masters said he was excited to be joining ACEREZ at a key time in the delivery of the Central-West Orana REZ.
“It’s a privilege to lead this vital project that will set the standard for other renewable energy zones across the country,” Mr Masters said.
“The Central-West Orana community is at the heart of ACEREZ’s work and I am committed to working closely with them as we build and operate this world-class infrastructure.”
The ACEREZ Partnership Committee thanked Mr Armstrong for leading ACEREZ’s successful bid as preferred network operator through to contract and financial close.
Mr Armstrong said he was honoured to have played a part in the renewable energy transition.
“I am grateful to have delivered this game-changing project to Financial Close, given the important impact it will have for future generations in New South Wales,” Mr Armstrong said.
“After letting the Partnership Committee know of my intention to move on last year, I have worked with them to ensure a seamless transition to a strong successor.”
ACEREZ was appointed network operator by EnergyCo to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Central-West Orana REZ transmission network.
The Central-West Orana was the first REZ to be declared in Australia and is approximately 20,000km2 in size, centred by Dubbo and Dunedoo on the land of the Wiradjuri, Wailwan and Kamilaroi people.
The new network infrastructure will connect power generated from solar and wind projects, initially unlocking up to 4.5GW of new network capacity, which is equivalent to powering two million homes.
The REZ is expected to deliver $3 billion in net benefits for New South Wales energy consumers and support 5000 jobs during peak construction.
