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Wattle Creek Energy Hub – Community Newsletter #5 March 2026

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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.

Standalone battery: 350 MW / 1,580 MWh storage capacity
Solar farm: up to 265 MW co-located with a 100 MW / 200 MWh BESS
Powering 63,000 homes (6,700 kWh household electricity consumption)
Over 300 jobs across construction & operations

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.

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.
Current status of development applications: response to submissions

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

Wattle Creek Energy Hub – Community Newsletter #5 March 2026 Read More »

Dinawan Solar Farm Consultation Update – IPC Community Meeting Format

Dinawan Energy Hub /

Dinawan Solar Farm Consultation Update – IPC Community Meeting Format

Spark Renewables has been advised that, due to lower-than-expected in-person speaker registrations for the previously advertised public meeting for Dinawan Solar Farm, the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) has adjusted the format of the consultation. The IPC has confirmed that one-on-one sessions will replace the public meeting to ensure community members who registered to speak continue to have an appropriate forum to do so. All meeting transcripts will be made publicly available on the IPC’s project webpage.

Decisions regarding meeting formats are made independently by the IPC and Spark Renewables had no input into the IPC’s decision on the Dinawan Solar Farm meeting. Community members seeking further information are encouraged to refer directly to the IPC’s official communications via this link.

The opportunity to provide written submissions directly to the IPC for consideration as part of its determination of the Project remains open to all community members and has been extended until 8 March 2026 at 11.59pm. Submissions can be made via the IPC’s project webpage.

Spark Renewables remains committed to open and transparent engagement with all community members and welcomes ongoing dialogue throughout the assessment process. Spark Renewables has provided an overview of the issues raised through the IPC-led consultation process, along with key concerns raised directly with our project team by community groups. The public briefing presentation slides and accompanying transcript that were prepared for the IPC meeting can be accessed here.

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Dinawan Energy Hub Community Newsletter – January 2026

Dinawan Energy Hub, Spark Renewables /

Community Newsletter #7 – January 2026

Download the PDF newsletter here:  Dinawan Energy Hub – Community Newsletter #7 – January 2026 

The Dinawan Energy Hub (DEH) is a hybrid renewable energy project consisting of the Dinawan Wind Farm, and the Dinawan Solar Farm, which is accompanied by a battery energy storage system. It is located about halfway between Coleambally and Jerilderie near Transgrid’s Dinawan Substation.

Project components as allocated by EnergyCo under access rights include: 

707 MW wind farm (Stages 1 & 2) with 105 wind turbines (up to 250-metre tip height), west of Kidman Way 
Solar component of DEH: 300 MW solar farm, with 750,000 solar modules installed east and west of Kidman Way 
300 MW solar farm, with 750,000 solar modules installed east and west of Kidman Way 
BESS component of DEH: 300 MW BESS, providing up to 1,200 MWh of storage 
300 MW BESS, providing up to 1,200 MWh of storage 

Recent updates

  • In April 2025, Spark Renewables was awarded access rights for 1,007 MW in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), which authorises projects to apply to connect to the transmission network infrastructure.
  • In October 2025, the Dinawan Wind Farm (Stage 1) bid was successful in Tender 4 of the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS).
  • In December 2025, the NSW DPHI recommended conditions of consent for approving the Dinawan Solar Farm Development Application. Speaker registrations for the public meeting in Coleambally close at 12pm. Register to speak through this page.

Community benefit sharing & social commitments

Spark Renewables is committed to creating upskilling, employment and procurement opportunities and co-funding research and innovation programs.

Access fee contributions will be administered by the NSW Energy Corporation (EnergyCo)

Since development of the DEH began, Spark Renewables has contributed $126,700 to local funding and sponsorships, and $35 million of additional South West REZ access fee contributions are expected to be paid over the first 15 years of the project’s lifespan.

Voluntary Planning Agreement

Spark Renewables will enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with Murrumbidgee Council. For the projects being built under the allocation of access rights – 707 MW for the wind farm and 300 MW for the solar farm – this represents an average of a $1 million payment each year to be shared across:

  • Council’s Critical Capital Projects (70%)
  • Community Benefit Fund (15%)
  • Aboriginal Community Fund (7.5%)
  • Neighbour Benefit Fund (7.5%), which includes the Dinawan Wind Farm Electricity Rebate Scheme (ERS)

Spark Renewables has launched the ERS as part of the Dinawan Neighbour Benefit Program for eligible households near the Dinawan Wind Farm. Households within 10 km of the wind turbines can receive annual electricity rebates between $2,500 and $10,000 for the wind farm’s 35-year lifespan, based on distance from the nearest wind turbine. Spark Renewables is currently engaging with the local landholders to propose an extended ERS for the Dinawan Solar Farm. Read more here.

Submissions for Dinawan Solar Farm Development Application review by the IPC close on 5 March 2026

Under NSW planning legislation, the Dinawan Wind Farm and Solar Farm are both State Significant Developments and therefore require an assessment by the NSW Government. In response to the Development Application (DA) for Dinawan Solar Farm, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has recommended conditions of consent to manage potential impacts on the local area. We expect recommended conditions for the Dinawan Wind Farm to follow in the first quarter of 2026.

You can read the referral letter, assessment report, and recommended conditions of consent on the NSW Independent Planning Commission’s (IPC) website by visiting this page. In line with the IPC’s consultation timeline for Dinawan Solar Farm, written public submissions and registration to speak at the project’s public meeting are open until 17 February 2026 (closing at noon).

  • 27 February 2026: A public meeting will be held at Coleambally Community Hall at 10am. You can pre-register to speak at the event here.
  • 5 March 2026: Submissions for the Dinawan Solar Farm project can be made until 11.59pm.

Expressions of interest open for the Accommodation Village until 16 February 2026

We are seeking partners to design, supply, install and operate an accommodation village to support the construction workforce. We are looking for innovative approaches that will create an outstanding place to live while contributing to the delivery of the DEH. Find out more here.

To see all work packages available for Dinawan Wind Farm (Stage 1), visit the ICN Gateway here.

Dinawan Energy Hub Community Newsletter – January 2026 Read More »

Dinawan Solar Farm: Project Planning Update

Dinawan Energy Hub, Spark Renewables /

Dinawan Solar Farm – Project Planning Update

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has recommended conditions of consent for the approval of the Dinawan Solar Farm development application. The Independent Planning Commission will hold a public meeting at the Coleambally Hall at 10am on 27 February 2026. View the full timeline here.

This decision follows several years of studies and consultation with interested and impacted stakeholders, including local councils, landholders, residents, Aboriginal community representatives, and transport, environmental and safety government agencies. 

Spark Renewables applied for a permit to deliver a large-scale solar farm (800 MW); and a battery energy storage system (356 MW). 

The Department has assessed the Dinawan Solar Farm proposal, including potential impacts on the environment, traffic, farming activities, heritage, and the character and liveability of the local area. Following this assessment, a detailed set of conditions has been recommended to help manage these impacts and protect the interests of the local community. 

The recommended conditions of consent require Spark Renewables to: 

  • Manage and minimise noise, dust, and traffic disturbance throughout construction;
  • Protect ecologically sensitive areas;
  • Safeguard Aboriginal heritage sites;
  • Maintain agricultural land capability where possible, including consideration for sheep grazing;
  • Prepare detailed management plans prior to construction commencing;
  • Adhere to approved site access points and transport routes for all workers; and
  • Contribute annual funding for community benefits.

Spark Renewables has committed to avoid all hollow bearing trees that were identified during the ecological studies. 

Dinawan Solar Farm was awarded access rights for 300 MW in the NSW Roadmap Tender Round 5, enabling the project to contribute around ~$250,000 annually to local community projects through a Voluntary Planning Agreement with Murrumbidgee Council. 

The Independent Planning Commission will consider the recommended conditions to make the final determination of the development application.  

Spark Renewables thanks the community for its ongoing engagement and will continue to share updates as the planning process moves forward. 

Read the referral letter, assessment report, and recommended conditions of consent on the Independent Planning Commission’s website at: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/dinawan-solar-farm.

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Mallee Wind Farm Newsletter – January 2026

Mallee Energy Hub /

Community Newsletter #7 – January 2026

Download the PDF newsletter here: Mallee Wind Farm – Community Newsletter #7 – January 2026

The Mallee Wind Farm is a proposed renewable energy project located in the Wentworth Local Government Area, approximately 16 km north-east of Buronga.

Overview

Developed by Spark Renewables, the project would have a generation capacity of 400 MW, co-located with a 100 MW battery energy storage system (BESS). The site is located on flat, cleared land with a strong wind resource and is well positioned to generate, store, and dispatch electricity to the National Electricity Market.

  • 400 MW wind farm with up to 76 turbines (up to 280-metre tip height)
  • 100 MW BESS, with capacity to supply 200 MWh
  • Equivalent to supplying electricity to over 200,000 households
  • Up to 400 jobs during peak construction and around 30 ongoing roles
  • $420,000 annually in direct payments to community and council funds

Environmental Assessments

The Mallee Wind Farm is planned to be built on open, cropped land to minimise potential impacts on biodiversity. Detailed biodiversity surveys and on-ground monitoring activities have continued across the project area to identify threatened species and inform responsible project planning in line with regulatory requirements.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Throughout 2025, Spark Renewables engaged with the Wentworth Shire Council, landholders, and neighbouring residents through meetings and public events, including the Mildura Field Day and the Wentworth Show. These engagements helped shape benefit-sharing initiatives aligned with local priorities.

Spark Renewables also participated in the Cultivating Change: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Roundtable hosted by La Trobe University’s Mildura Campus, exploring opportunities to support sustainable agricultural development in the region.

Community Benefit Sharing

In line with theNSW Benefit Sharing Guideline, Spark Renewables is committed to providing $1,050 per MW annually over the project’s 35-year lifespan. For a 400 MW wind farm, this would result in $420,000 per year, shared across four proposed funds:

  • Council Projects Fund (75%)
  • Community Benefit Fund (10%)
  • Independent Aboriginal Community Fund (10%)
  • Independent Scholarship and Youth Fund (5%)

Planning Update

The Mallee Wind Farm is a State Significant Development under NSW planning legislation. Public exhibition of the Environmental Impact Statement was completed in November 2024.

Spark Renewables is currently preparing a Submissions Report, responding to key matters raised during exhibition, with further information on road upgrades, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. The Response to Submissions is expected in early 2026.

Find the projects Environmental Impact Statement on the NSW Planning Portal for Major Projects by visiting this page.

Mallee Wind Farm Newsletter – January 2026 Read More »

Dinawan Energy Hub Accommodation Village expressions of interest

Dinawan Energy Hub /

Dinawan Energy Hub Accommodation Village expressions of interest open

Spark Renewables invites expressions of interest for our Dinawan Energy Hub Accommodation Village work package. 

The Dinawan Energy Hub is situated between Coleambally and Jerilderie in the Murrumbidgee Local Government Area, south-west NSW, adjacent to the Dinawan Substation.

The market briefing is available to view here and the market briefing pack can be downloaded here. (Note: the EOI due date has been extended to 16 February 2026 instead of 31 January 2026.)

As part of this package, we are seeking partners to design, supply, install and operate an accommodation village of approximately 400 beds to support the construction workforce. This includes single ensuite rooms, quality dining, and a range of recreational and wellbeing features such as gyms, wellness spaces and social hubs.  

We are looking for innovative approaches that will create an outstanding place to live while contributing to the delivery of the Dinawan Energy Hub. 

The work package will be procured in two parts: 

  • Village civil works 
  • Village supply, installation and operations 

We are committed on delivering strong social value outcomes for the local community. This includes meaningful opportunities for First Nations businesses and pathways to grow a First Nations workforce across the project. 

Suppliers interested in this work package are invited to register now.

The EOI response period will run until 16 February 2026. Register by emailing Anthony.Fuller@sparkrenewables.com.  

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Governance and Administration Officer

Jobs /

Apply for a Governance and Administration Officer

  • Join a leading renewable energy company driving Australia’s transition.
  • Enjoy hybrid flexibility at our Manly or Brisbane office.
  • Be part of a collaborative, values-driven team with great culture and benefits.

Spark Renewables is growing rapidly with major projects underway, including the Dinawan and Wattle Creek Energy Hubs. To support this next phase, we are seeking a Governance and Administration Officer to strengthen our project delivery team.

The role

Reporting to the Project Governance Manager, you will help ensure governance processes are followed across the project lifecycle, including reporting, approvals, risk management, and compliance. You will collaborate with teams across development, engineering, legal, and finance to maintain standards and support project performance. 

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in managing governance processes across the project lifecycle
  • Prepare reports and dashboards for projects and boards
  • Monitor risks, issues, schedules, and budgets
  • Track compliance obligations
  • Administer project systems and manage document control
  • Build effective relationships with internal teams and stakeholders
  • Coordinate project approvals
  • Maintain governance frameworks and policies
  • Provide project management office administrative support (meetings, logistics, minutes)

What we are looking for

  • Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or similar)
  • Minimum two years’ experience in project delivery or governance
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and remain calm under pressure
  • Strong team player – adaptable, collaborative, and proactive
  • Good understanding of project budgets and reporting
  • Basic knowledge of compliance and safety standards
  • Strong communication and relationship‑building skills

Why you’ll love working with us

We believe our culture is second to none, and our exceptional retention rate is testament to that. We are a team of passionate professionals from diverse backgrounds, united by our focus on sustainability and our purpose to build Australia’s renewable energy future.

Our team is supportive, and we have an open-minded, forward-thinking, and inclusive culture. We offer flexible work arrangements, a hybrid work environment, and a fantastic office location in Manly with ocean views. We place a strong emphasis on professional development, wellbeing, and opportunities to work on impactful, future-focused projects. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

We are committed to building a team that represents a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, genders, skills, and abilities. We are also dedicated to fostering meaningful change within our organisation and community, including First Nations communities, through our Reconciliation Action Plan. 

How to apply

If this role sounds like you, please apply by providing a covering letter specifically addressing the selection criteria together with your CV. Please direct any questions you may have to people@sparkrenewables.com. 

Governance and Administration Officer Read More »

Case studies in the CEC Best Practice Charter 2025 reports summary

Bomen Solar Farm, Dinawan Energy Hub, Mallee Energy Hub, Spark Renewables, Wattle Creek Energy Hub /

Today the Clean Energy Council released the 2025 Best Practice Charter reports from its signatories, including Spark Renewables.

This is a voluntary set of commitments that clean energy developers uphold when planning, building, and operating renewable energy projects. There are more than 50 signatories, representing nearly all major renewable energy developers in Australia.

This is the second year of reporting, and the submissions for this year show the industry continuing to raise the bar for responsible development in regional Australia.

Spark Renewables is proud to be part of an industry that engages meaningfully with local communities and First Nations groups, addresses environmental and agricultural concerns, and works to deliver lasting benefits for landholders and regional communities.

Signatories to the Charter are committed to minimising impacts on quality agricultural land and exploring opportunities for co-existence between renewable energy and farming. The reports highlight a range of locally adapted approaches that support both clean energy generation and agricultural productivity. At Bomen Solar Farm, Spark Renewables is currently supporting a three-year research project led by Charles Sturt University to identify the ideal pasture mix that thrives under solar panels, supports quality grazing land, and reduces fire risk.

The signatories’ submissions reflect a continued commitment to respectful engagement – consulting early and often, remaining sensitive to areas of high biodiversity, cultural and landscape value, and to responsible land stewardship over the lifetime of a project, including waste recycling and decommissioning. This year’s reports demonstrate a more deliberate, science-informed, and locally sensitive approach to managing environmental impacts across construction, operations and at the project end-of-life.

One of our earlier partnerships in this field – with a leading solar panel recycling and resource recovery company PV Industries – is proving successful in finding sustainable end-of-life solutions for solar panels. At their new facility launch last week, the team demonstrated how solar panels can be processed to recover materials such as silver.

Read the summary and view the published reports and over 400 examples showcasing how renewable energy projects are delivering real, often unseen benefits for local communities and the environment across Australia here.

Case studies in the CEC Best Practice Charter 2025 reports summary Read More »

Dinawan Energy Hub successful in the Capacity Investment Scheme

Dinawan Energy Hub, Spark Renewables /

Spark Renewables’ Dinawan Energy Hub project successful in the Capacity Investment Scheme (Tender 4)

Spark Renewables, a leading Australian developer and owner of renewable energy assets, welcomes the success of our flagship Dinawan Energy Hub’s project in Tender 4 of the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS).

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen, announced earlier today the Australian Government’s support for ‘Dinawan Wind Farm (Stage 1)’, the first stage of the Dinawan Energy Hub proposed halfway between Jerilderie and Coleambally in New South Wales. See $600 million community boost as next wave of renewable projects power ahead.

The 357 MW Dinawan Wind Farm (Stage 1) is part of the 1.3 GW Dinawan Energy Hub, which has recently been awarded access rights in the South West Renewable Energy Zone. It includes a second stage wind farm of 350 MW and a third stage 300 MW solar farm combined with a 300 MW/1,200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).

In total, the Dinawan Energy Hub is expected to deliver around 1 GW of new generation capacity to the National Electricity Market along with 300 MW of 4-hour battery storage capability, supporting the energy transition.

The CIS is an Australian Government revenue underwriting scheme to accelerate investment in renewable energy generation. Projects in the competitive process are evaluated on their ability to deliver low-cost, reliable power; track record of community and First Nations engagement; and contribution to regional economic growth and procurement of local content. See Capacity Investment Scheme – DCCEEW.

Development of the Dinawan Energy Hub has been underpinned by a multitude of ecological studies, detailed technical work, and extensive engagement with landholders and local First Nations communities, ensuring a collaborative and responsible design. In August 2025, the project’s Response to Submissions on the Environmental Impact Statement was submitted to the NSW Government. See NSW Major Project – Dinawan Wind Farm.

Anthony Marriner, the CEO of Spark Renewables, said: “Our 1.3 GW Dinawan Energy Hub is ideally located adjacent to the Dinawan Substation in the South West Renewable Energy Zone in NSW. It is the only project that combines wind, solar, and BESS. Following the successful award of access rights for Dinawan Energy Hub in April 2025, we are thrilled to have been successful in the CIS for the first stage of the project. This represents a key step forward in the project’s development and we are focused on reaching financial close on the first stage in late 2026.”

Download the media release: Spark Renewables’ Dinawan Energy Hub successful in the Capacity Investment Scheme (Tender 4).

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Sponsoring the 2025 Koori Knockout

Dinawan Energy Hub /

Celebrating Culture, Community, and Connection at the 2025 Koori Knockout

It was an honour for Spark Renewables to sponsor two teams in this year’s Koori Knockout — an event that continues to grow in strength and spirit each year.

Now in its 53rd year, the Koori Knockout has become one of the largest Indigenous sporting gatherings in the world. It’s far more than a football competition — it’s a celebration of identity, kinship, and resilience.

Over the October long-weekend, Tamworth, on Gomeroi Country, came alive with colour, pride, and community as more than 100 teams took to the field before tens of thousands of spectators.

Beyond the action on the field, the Knockout is about connection — reconnecting families, sharing intergenerational stories, and inspiring the next generation to live active, healthy, and connected lives.

This year, Spark Renewables proudly supported:

  • Wiradjuri Warriors from Narrandera — marking our third consecutive year of partnership
  • Three Ways United from Griffith — joining the competition for the first time

Both teams come from communities within the same region as one of our flagship projects, the Dinawan Energy Hub, and it was fantastic to see them represent their communities with pride and determination.

We cheered on as the Warriors opened their campaign with a commanding 60–0 win.

The 2025 Knockout also held special meaning. This year’s competition was dedicated to the memory of Shaurntae Lyons, a proud Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman and a passionate advocate for connecting people with job opportunities in renewable energy. Seeing her three eldest sons take the field in her honour was a deeply moving tribute and a reminder of the community spirit that makes this event so powerful.

As the final whistle blew in Tamworth, one thing was clear — the Koori Knockout is more than a sporting event. It’s a living expression of culture, unity, and resilience that continues to inspire year after year.

We’re proud to play a small part in supporting it and look forward to seeing the event continue to flourish in the years to come.

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