Wattle Creek Energy Hub Community Newsletter #5

Download the PDF newsletter here: Wattle Creek Energy Hub – Community Newsletter #5 – March 2026

The Wattle Creek Energy Hub is a solar and battery energy hybrid project located in the Upper Lachlan Shire, approximately 12 km north-east of Marulan, NSW, on the ‘Arthursleigh’ property owned by the University of Sydney.

Recent updates

• The development applications for both stages are now in the response to submissions phase.
• An Amendment Report prepared for the BESS includes: updates to the proposed transmission line; the addition of passing bays along Canyonleigh Road; a new northern access route; and a reduction in the overall project footprint.

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Collaboration with the University of Sydney

The Wattle Creek Energy Hub, a renewable energy project hosted by the University of Sydney, the 18th ranked university in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025), opens the door for world-leading research and best practice opportunities. Spark Renewables was selected by the University of Sydney to investigate and develop a hybrid renewable energy facility on its ‘Arthursleigh’ property, which is located ~120 km from the Sydney West Substation and is adjacent to the Marulan Substation.

As part of the partnership with the University, Spark Renewables has also agreed to an ongoing research agreement collaborating on initiatives related to clean energy across science, engineering, business and economics, including a work experience and placement program for undergraduate and PhD students. The agreement proposes a two-acre ‘test-bed facility’, which will enable the researchers to test emerging energy technologies, including innovative battery systems developed by Gelion, a company spun out from the University of Sydney in 2015.

The project is designed to coexist with ongoing agricultural activities and ensure that commercial research and teaching activities can continue on the ‘Arthursleigh’ farm.

Spark Renewables’ Internship Program supporting the future of clean energy

This collaboration has become a valuable pathway for accessing exceptional talent from the University of Sydney. Since 2023, Spark Renewables has hosted seven undergraduate interns, and has been fortunate to hire several of them in full-time roles.

Under the internship program, students bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world experience through a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities, from on-site engineering to real-life community engagement. They are supported in an innovation-driven, AI-enabled environment and provided with the same professional licences and resources as full-time employees.

Planning update

Under planning legislation, the Wattle Creek BESS and the Wattle Creek Solar Farm are classified as State Significant Developments and therefore require assessment by Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure through the submission of a Development Application (DA).

We have recently submitted a Response to Submissions for the BESS along with an Amendment Report, where Spark Renewables responds to the feedback received during the exhibition period and consultation with council representatives, project neighbours, government agencies, and critical stakeholders. As a result of this, changes to the project include:

• The proposed transmission line route into Marulan substation has been revised in response to Transgrid’s comments.
• Passing bays have been added along Canyonleigh Road to improve traffic safety during construction.
• A new northern access route has been included for use only by light vehicles during emergencies.
• Minor amendments to the BESS layout have reduced the original project footprint, remaining within the area as proposed in the project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
• An updated Voluntary Planning Agreement is being proposed to the councils as part of the benefit-sharing program.

If you have any questions or would like to set up a meeting, please contact us at info@wattlecreekenergyhub.com or 1300 271 419.