On public exhibition: Wattle Creek Energy Hub Environmental Impact Statements
We are pleased to announce that the Wattle Creek Energy Hub, located north-east of the Marulan township in the NSW Southern Tablelands, has reached a new milestone. Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) have been submitted for two projects:
The standalone Wattle Creek Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a 350 megawatt (MW) capacity; and
The hybrid Wattle Creek Solar Farm with a generation capacity of up to 265 MW combined with a 100 MW BESS.
According to legislation, both projects are classified as state significant developments and therefore must submit a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure for development approval.
EISs for both projects are available for viewing and comment from 9 May 2025 until 6 June 2025.
You can view summaries of both EISs via the links below:
You are welcome to drop in to our information session at any time to meet the Spark Renewables team, view materials and ask questions about the EISs prepared for the Wattle Creek Energy Hub projects. We are hosting face-to-face sessions at:
📍Marulan: Memorial Hall 📅 Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025 🕒Time: 4.00pm to 7.00pm
📍Canyonleigh: Community Hall 📅 Date: Friday, 30 May 2025 🕒Time: 8.00am to 11.00am
The developer of the Wattle Creek Energy Hub is Spark Renewables, which was selected by the University of Sydney to investigate and develop a hybrid renewable energy facility on the University’s Arthursleigh property, a commercially operating farm producing Merino wool and Angus beef.
Spark Renewables is a leading renewable energy developer, owner and operator, founded in Sydney in 2018. Spark Renewables has a large and diversified portfolio of operational and development stage wind, solar and storage assets across Australia including the operational Bomen Solar Farm near Wagga Wagga.
Spark Renewables will hold an information stall for the Mallee Wind Farm project at the Mildura Field Days.
Development update
The project is part of the Mallee Energy Hub developed by Spark Renewables, and is located approximately 16 km north-east of Buronga, in the Wentworth Local Government Area.
As a State Significant Development, the Mallee Wind Farm project required a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).
An EIS for the Mallee Wind Farm was lodged with DPHI in 2024. A summary of Mallee Wind Farm EIS is also included in the Project Factsheet.
We are now preparing a Response to Submissions with feedback to submissions posted to the EIS.
Information stall at the Mildura Field Days
You are welcome to drop in to our stall to meet the Spark Renewables team, view materials and ask questions about the Response to Submissions prepared for the Mallee Wind Farm. We are hosting a face-to-face session at:
📍 Location: Mildura Racecourse, 53 Racecourse Road, Nichols Point 📅 Date: 16-17 May 2025 🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
If you wish to set up a one-on-one meeting or call with Spark Renewables, please email info@malleewindfarm.com or leave a voicemail at 1300 271 419.
Spark Renewables’ Dinawan Energy Hub awarded access rights in the South West REZ
Spark Renewables, a leading Australian developer and owner of renewable energy assets, is delighted to announce that its flagship Dinawan Energy Hub project, located in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), has been awarded ~1 gigawatt (GW) of access rights by EnergyCo. Dinawan Energy Hub is one of four successful projects to be awarded access rights through the competitive process conducted by AEMO Services Limited under the NSW Government’s Renewable Energy Zone access scheme.
Access rights awarded to the Dinawan Energy Hub include 707 megawatts (MW) of wind, 300 MW of solar, and a 300 MW / 1,200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), which will collectively power the equivalent of 500,000 Australian homes per annum.
Dinawan Energy Hub is adjacent to Transgrid’s Dinawan Substation, providing an advantage through its proximity and direct connection to grid infrastructure, helping to deliver lower costs to energy users and support the state’s transition to a modern, clean energy future.
The Dinawan Energy Hub is set to create around 1,200 construction jobs and over 50 long-term jobs, with a focus on upskilling and apprenticeship opportunities, and First Nations participation.
Spark Renewables has developed a benefit, upskilling and industry program worth over $100 million over the course of the project life, aimed at building community wealth, health and ‘renewables-readiness’.
Anthony Marriner, the CEO of Spark Renewables, said: “We identified the South West REZ as a high-quality opportunity early on in 2021, with excellent wind and solar resources, and well located in the middle of the National Electricity Market, capable of providing electricity to the major load centres. We have always had a high level of conviction relating to the South West REZ. Progressing this REZ is an important step forward in the clean and modern energy transition. Dinawan Energy Hub will create value for communities, businesses and industry partners while delivering reliable and affordable clean energy.”
“Furthermore, we are delighted to be partnering with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), who have an option to acquire a minority interest at financial close. CIP shares our sustainability ambitions and will be providing key input and support during the development stage.”
Mr Marriner said, “We have local delivery targets to ensure that the Dinawan Energy Hub contributes positively to the economy, ultimately fostering sustainable development and economic growth. The project will become a long-term user of products and services in the Riverina region and will be spending a significant amount on Australian-sourced content during construction and the project’s 35-year lifespan.”
“We have made over 30 commitments that support the clean energy transition through a community fund for local initiatives, advancing First Nations’ accessibility to workforce participation, and next-generation training and education opportunities.”
Spark Renewables is owned by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the largest listed energy utility company in Southeast Asia, with a market capitalisation of ~A$28 billion.
“Dinawan Energy Hub will make an important contribution towards achieving TNB’s goal of installing 14.3 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity globally by 2050.”
“With TNB’s strategic direction to support energy initiatives globally, and their support for us as a business, we are able to continue our strategy to become a leading independent power producer by pioneering innovative, collaborative and responsible solutions when developing our energy and battery hubs.”
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following webpage and materials linked within contain names and images of deceased persons.
This is a community newsletter from the 2.3 gigawatt (GW) Dinawan Energy Hub (DEH), a proposed hybrid renewable energy project being developed by Spark Renewables. The DEH consists of the Dinawan Wind Farm; and the Dinawan Solar Farm, which would be accompanied by a battery energy storage system.
The DEH is in the South West Renewable Energy Zone, about halfway between Coleambally and Jerilderie near Transgrid’s Dinawan Substation. The DEH is proposed on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people and several smaller nations of the Murrumbidgee plains.
Spark Renewables is a leading developer and long-term owner of renewable energy generation assets, founded and based in Australia. We are owned and backed by the largest electricity utility in Malaysia, Tenaga Nasional Berhad.
Overview of DEH
The proposed DEH would consist of:
Up to 200 wind turbines west of Kidman Way
A wind farm with capacity of up to 1,200 megawatts (MW)
Wind turbines up to 280 meters high
A solar farm with generation capacity up to 800 MW
Ground-mounted solar photovoltaic modules installed east and west of Kidman Way
Grid connection of both projects via the Dinawan Substation (Transgrid’s Project EnergyConnect)
Battery energy storage system with a capacity of up to 300 MW
Location
Within the NSW South West Renewable Energy Zone
Adjacent to new transmission infrastructure
Close to major transport networks
Distant from populated areas
Strong wind resource
Development Update
Under planning legislation, the Dinawan Wind Farm and the Dinawan Solar Farm are both State Significant Developments, and therefore require an assessment by the NSW Government.
Dinawan Solar Farm: Assessment Phase
The Dinawan Solar Farm Development Application (DA) is currently being evaluated by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Dinawan Solar Farm was on public exhibition from 17 November to 15 December 2023. The final milestone is the determination of the application.
A DA and an EIS for the Dinawan Wind Farm was on public exhibition from 12 July to 8 August 2024. We are currently preparing a Response to Submissions along with an Amendment Report, where Spark Renewables responds to the feedback received during the exhibition period. Next will be the assessment phase.
The Dinawan Energy Hub is developed within the NSW South West Renewable Energy Zone. All generation and storage projects connecting to a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) require an Access Right, which authorises projects to apply to connect to the network infrastructure. Access Right holders will contribute access fees that include funds for community benefit and employment purposes in the region. Spark Renewables participated in the competitive process ‘NSW Roadmap – Tender Round 5’ for Access Rights in the South West REZ.
Dinawan Energy Hub is located within the South West REZ, adjacent to the Dinawan Substation (developed by Transgrid)
Community news
Our Approach to Project Development and Engagement
How we engage respectfully with the communities we operate in
Our conduct with respect to environmental and cultural values
Our approach to minimising impact on agriculture, prioritising co-land use with ‘agrivoltaic’ initiatives
Positive contribution to the regions in which we operate
Spark Renewables disclosed its report for the 12 months ended 30 June 2024 to the CEC
Supporting Clean Energy Transition and Education Opportunities
Ensuring a fair and equitable shift or a ‘just transition’ due to the closure of coal-fired power stations is an important goal of the South West Renewable Energy Zone. As part of the DEH, Spark Renewables has developed over 30 benefit sharing, training, and upskilling initiatives that foster community wealth building and support longevity.
As well as upskilling existing jobs within the energy industry, we are also working with Training Services and TAFE in NSW for early engagement in the educational pathway. As part of this collaboration, the Spark Renewables team presented to students at TAFE in Hay and Leeton about industry opportunities. For more career opportunities in renewable energy, visit the webpage of Education NSW.
Winners of the DEH Pilot Program
‘Bringing back the reeds’ planting project on the banks of the Billabong creek in Jerilderie: with the help of Finley High School, a stretch of 250 metres of creek line was planted with over 300 plants
Spark Renewables announced the winners of the Dinawan Pilot Grant Program, awarding $20,000 to support eight community-initiated projects. This program builds on the $31,000 of funding provided to community sponsorships.
Under the Pilot Program grants were awarded to:
‘Bringing back the reeds’ biodiversity restoration and community clean-up program (Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council)
Upgrading the children’s outdoor playground (Coleambally Community Club)
Reconnecting kids to community and ancestral culture (Marrambidya Dance Group)
Critical sterilisation medical equipment (Cypress View Lodge Aged Care Home)
Installing a heating and cooling system in the children’s area (Jerilderie Football Netball Club)
Jerilderie ‘Kids Go Fishing Day’ (Jerilderie Fishing Club)
Providing financial assistance towards students’ education costs (Country Education Foundation of Coleambally-Darlington Point)
Publishing of a book to bring inclusion to children living with disability (author of Aurora’s Whisper Ms Kayla Sipou)
The Pilot Grant Program is the forerunner to the long-term benefit sharing scheme, worth over $60 million, proposed to run from the start of construction and throughout the operational life of the DEH. The final size of the community benefit sharing program will be based on the approved and constructed size of the project.
Partnership with the Griffith LALC
Spark Renewables proudly partnered with the Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) to seize opportunities for the Aboriginal community through the DEH in the South West Renewable Energy Zone. The focus of the partnership is to identify opportunities for mutual benefit, collaboration, training and employment pathway co-design. One of the ways Spark Renewables has agreed to do that is by requiring its major works construction contractors to consult Griffith LALC on labour hire matters.
Acknowledgment and Honours
Recognising that the communities of Wagga Wagga and Narrandera are grieving the recent passing of respected community leaders, a Wiradjuri man Uncle James Ingram and Wiradjuri Yorta Yorta woman Shaurntae Lyons, we would like to acknowledge their contribution in helping Spark Renewables to connect with First Nations communities, guide us on our pathway to reconciliation, and help to create a vision for a stronger community, together.
Our thoughts are with everyone whose lives their work touched. Their loss has left a deep void, but it will not change the force of good on which their hearts were set – helping those in need and supporting everyone to be stronger. It was an honour to have worked with Uncle James and to have Shaurntae as a big part of our team.
According to the Climate Council, Australia’s fossil fuel industry is dominated by men – only 23% of people working in coal and gas are women. The proportion of women in renewables is already much higher, at around 39%, and the industry is working hard to make sure women are benefiting from the employment opportunities that come with the switch to a power system free of climate pollution.
During the construction of our Bomen Solar Farm, Beon Energy Solutions, and Bomen Solar Farm’s EPC Contractor, partnered with Chandler Macleod to implement the ‘Women in Solar’ program to encourage women to work in the construction of large-scale solar farms. This initiative enabled training and qualifying of 12 local women in solar panel installation; including single mothers, Aboriginal women and women who were long-term unemployed.
The majority of these women continue to work in the industry, and Spark Renewables is continuing its the community employment program on other projects.
Spark Renewables is proud to be recognised for demonstrating how the industry can combat traditional barriers to employment in the energy sector by directly helping women gain new skills, experience, and qualifications for future employment.
Generation from the Bomen Solar Farm powers around 36,000 Australian homes, while also delivering meaningful benefits to all parts of the community including women and young people. Other initiatives we are proud to have as part of the $1 million Bomen Solar Farm Community Fund include:
The Transition Program and the Girls at the Centre program at Mount Austin High School in Wagga Wagga empowering young students to set themselves up for success later in life.
Tree plantings and biodiversity projects.
Installation of solar panels on housing for people in care to help lower their power bills.
Beehives hosted by Wagga Wagga beekeepers.
A flock of over a thousand Merino wethers grazing at the solar farm.
Spark Renewables Supporting Clean Energy Transition and Education Opportunities
Ensuring a fair and equitable shift or a ‘just transition’ due to the closure of coal-fired power stations is an important goal of the South West Renewable Energy Zone.
As part of the Dinawan Energy Hub, Spark Renewables has developed over 30 benefit sharing, training, and upskilling initiatives that foster community wealth building and support longevity.
As well as upskilling existing jobs within the energy industry, we are also working with NSW Training Services and TAFE in NSW for early engagement in the educational pathway.
For more career opportunities in renewable energy visit here.
The Spark Renewables team presented to students at TAFE in Hay and Leeton about industry opportunities.
Preparing a Response to Submissions and Amendment Report for the Dinawan Wind Farm
Under planning legislation, the Dinawan Wind Farm and the Dinawan Solar Farm are both State Significant Developments, and therefore require an assessment by the NSW Government.
Dinawan Wind Farm: Response to Submissions
A Development Application (DA) and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Dinawan Wind Farm was on public exhibition from 12 July to 8 August 2024.
We are currently preparing a Response to Submissions along with an Amendment Report, where Spark Renewables responds to the feedback received during the exhibition period. Next will be the assessment phase.
The Dinawan Solar Farm DA is currently being evaluated by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). The EIS for the Dinawan Solar Farm was on public exhibition from 17 November to 15 December 2023. The final milestone is the determination of the application.
Information Session – Mallee Wind Farm Environmental Impact Statement
Spark Renewables is holding a community consultation session for the Mallee Wind Farm project, which reached an important milestone.
The project is part of the Mallee Energy Hub developed by Spark Renewables, and is located approximately 16 km north-east of Buronga, in the Wentworth Local Government Area.
As a State Significant Development, the Mallee Wind Farm requires a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).
An EIS for the Mallee Wind Farm was lodged with DPHI in November 2024, and is available for view and comment from Wednesday, 13 November until Tuesday, 10 December 2024. A summary of Mallee Wind Farm EIS studies is also included in the Project Factsheet.
Information session at the Midway Centre
You are welcome to drop in to our information session at any time to meet the Spark Renewables team, view materials and ask questions about the EIS prepared for the Mallee Wind Farm. We are hosting a face-to-face session at:
📍 Location: Midway Centre, 6 Midway Drive, Buronga 📅 Date: 28 November 2024 🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
If you wish to set up a one-on-one meeting or call with Spark Renewables, please email info@malleewindfarm.com or leave a voicemail at 1300 271 419.
The energy and excitement of the 30,000+ crowd at the Koori Knockout 2024 was palpable.
Congratulations to the Wiradjuri Warriors for reaching the semi-finals! The Wiradjuri Warriors are more than just a sports team. They are a vital force in strengthening community bonds and passing on cultural knowledge to younger generations.
At Spark Renewables, our sponsorship reflects our commitment to creating generational change through sharing benefits with and empowering the local Aboriginal community.
For example, at our Dinawan Energy Hub in the South West Renewable Energy Zone, we have co-designed a benefit-sharing and capacity-building plan spanning 30+ years, including:
First Nations community fund
Funding rooftop solar and BESS systems for elders
Clean energy scholarships, apprenticeships and internships
Career development and leadership training
Capacity building, skills training and pre-employment qualification to enable employment
Procurement from First-Nations owned businesses
Running for over 50 years, the NSW Aboriginal Rugby League tournament has grown to become one of the largest gatherings of Indigenous people in Australia, celebrating culture, community, and sport.
