Spark Renewables Announces Winners of $20,000 Dinawan Energy Hub Pilot Grant Program
Spark Renewables has announced the winners of the Pilot Grant Program, awarding $20,000 to support eight community-initiated projects. The program is associated with the development of the Dinawan Energy Hub, a landmark 2.3 gigawatt renewable energy project located in the South West Renewable Energy Zone in NSW, incorporating a wind farm, solar farm, and a battery energy storage project.
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 Dinawan Energy Hub. The final size of the community benefit sharing program will be based on the approved and constructed size of the project.
Spark Renewables has been actively engaging with the host councils, Murrumbidgee Council and Edward River Council, and the local community to ensure a positive impact on nearby townships as the Dinawan Energy Hub is progressed. The long-term benefit sharing scheme includes multiple initiatives such as a community fund, a dedicated fund for First Nations initiatives, subsidies for electricity and solar/battery systems for project neighbours and contributions to priority capital works developments identified by the local Councils.
Beyond financial contributions, Spark Renewables is committed to leveraging its expertise and resources to provide training, employment, and upskilling opportunities, helping local communities thrive in the growing renewable energy sector.
“The high level of interest in the Grant Pilot Program and the quality of proposals highlight the enthusiasm, creativity, and passion within the Riverina communities,” said Will Stone, Head of Development at Spark Renewables.
“Choosing between 16 applicants requesting $80,000 was very challenging, but we are excited to support eight projects that will make a positive difference in community health, wellbeing, social inclusion, cultural storytelling, and protecting the environment.”
Spark Renewables has awarded grants ranging between $1,500 and $3,000 from the Pilot Grant Program towards:
“Bringing back the reeds” biodiversity restoration and community clean-up program organised by Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council;
Upgrading the children’s outdoor playground at the Coleambally Community Club;
Transportation and accommodation support for Marrambidya Dance Group with the aim of reconnecting kids to community and ancestral culture;
Critical sterilisation medical equipment for the Cypress View Lodge aged care home;
Installing a heating and cooling system in the children’s area at the Jerilderie Football Netball Club;
Jerilderie Kids Go Fishing Day (November 2024) hosted by the Jerilderie Fishing Club to promote awareness of healthy waterways amongst families;
Country Education Foundation of Coleambally-Darlington Point to provide financial assistance towards students’ education costs such as accommodation, text books, and uniforms; and
Publishing of a book by the local Coleambally author of Aurora’s Whisper, bringing inclusion to children living with disability.
“While not all applicants were successful, we’ve established valuable connections with those applicants and we hope to support their projects as part of the Dinawan Energy Hub benefit sharing program in the future,” added Mr. Stone.
“Our experience at Bomen Solar Farm, where we set up the country’s largest solar farm community fund (of one million dollars) established in collaboration with Westpac in 2020, has shown the importance of connecting with people and organisations who are passionate about making a positive change in their community.”
“This scheme has helped to connect with several organisations raising funds for locally important matters, which we hope to sponsor in the coming years.”
Seeking input on the community benefit sharing program for the Wattle Creek Energy Hub
We are seeking input from the local community on a benefit sharing program associated with the proposed Wattle Creek Energy Hub, a proposed solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) near Marulan, NSW, situated on the University of Sydney’s Arthursleigh property. We have launched a short survey and encourage everyone to have a say!
Based on the proposed solar farm size of 265 megawatts (MW), the funding available would be over $200,000 per year, amounting to around $7 million over the 30+ year construction and operation period of the energy hub.
This funding aligns with the recommended contribution outlined in the NSW Draft Solar Benefit Sharing Guidelines, which suggests $850 per installed megawatt per annum for a solar generation facility.
Following the initial annual payments, all subsequent payments will be adjusted in accordance with the Consumer Price Index, as determined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, to mitigate the effects of inflation.
The funding would be provided on an annual basis, commencing at the start of construction and linked to the final size of the project. The ultimate size of the project will depend on a number of factors, including outcomes of the planning assessment process and subsequent conditions of consent, grid connection approval, detailed design, and project finance.
The aim of the community benefit sharing program will be to deliver long-lasting social, economic and environmental benefits to the local communities we become a part of. At Spark Renewables, we recognise that every local community is different, which is why we take a location-based approach, working with each community to co-design a benefit sharing program that meets the unique needs of that particular location.
Spark Renewables is seeking community views on how the funds should be distributed, specifically between the council projects, neighbouring residents and the broader community.
This is just a quick note to say a huge thank you to everyone who stopped by the Spark Renewables stall to learn about the Mallee Energy Hub over the weekend at the Wentworth Show.
Our Project Lead, Laurie Wallis, and Development Team Engineer, Alejandra Mora, were thrilled to meet and chat with so many enthusiastic showgoers and spoke to over a hundred people.
“It was one of the busiest consultations session I ever conducted.”
Laurie Wallis, Project Lead of the Mallee Energy Hub
There’s no better place to experience the love of country produce than at a country show. We were impressed by the perfect oranges, hearty pumpkins and extraordinary sausages all on display.
Spark Renewables sponsored the 2024 Wentworth Show, putting up free shuttle buses from McLeod Oval to the Showgrounds.
We would also like to thank Umwelt Environmental and Social Consultants for their comprehensive overview and findings from our recent studies, which are compiled in a factsheet here.
Mallee Energy Hub Community Newsletter #5 & Mallee Wind Farm & BESS Factsheet – August 2024
We are excited to share the latest newsletter update and a comprehensive factsheet regarding the proposed wind farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Mallee Energy Hub. The factsheet includes detailed information on the planning assessment process, map showing the project layout, changes since the scoping phase, and an overview of some of the studies done to date, including:
Social Impact Assessment
Landscape and visual
Biodiversity
Cultural heritage
Economic
Noise
Transport
Hazards
Mallee Energy Hub includes a wind farm project with a battery energy storage system, and a solar farm project; both located in the Wentworth Local Government Area, approximately 16 km north-east of Buronga.
Situated within the NSW South-West Renewable Energy Zone, the projects would connect via 220 or 330kV transmission infrastructure.
As State Significant Development (SSD) both projects require a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). A Scoping Report for the Mallee Wind Farm was lodged with DPHI in November 2022, with the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements for the EIS issued on 17 February 2023. These documents are available on DPHI’s Planning Portal here.
The Mallee Energy Hub is being developed by Spark Renewables. We develop, own and operate renewable energy generation assets that lead the renewable energy transition in Australia. 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.
This is the news update provided to the community ahead of the public exhibition of the Environmental Impact Statement for the Dinawan Wind Farm from 12 July to 8 August 2024. Find out about the overview of the project, latest news, status of the planning process, and community benefit sharing.
The 2.3 gigawatt (GW) Dinawan Energy Hub (DEH) is a proposed hybrid renewable energy project being developed by Spark Renewables. 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. DEH is proposed on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people and several smaller nations of the Murrumbidgee plains.
Spark Renewables is part of the leading Malaysian energy utility, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, a group of companies owning and operating renewable energy projects in Malaysia, Turkey, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Overview of DEH
The proposed Dinawan Energy Hub would consist of:
Up to 200 wind turbines west of Kidman Way;
A wind farm with capacity of up to 1.2 gigawatts;
Wind turbines up to 280 meters high;
A solar farm with generation capacity of 800 megawatts;
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); and
Battery energy storage system capacity of up to 300 megawatts.
Location
Within the NSW South West Renewable Energy Zone
Adjacent to new transmission infrastructure
Close to major transport networks
Distant from most residences
Strong wind resource
The story of ‘Nhaway Buraadja’ (Dhurga language for ‘Today and Tomorrow’)
Spark Renewables has had its ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. We are particularly proud of the artwork created for Spark Renewables by Wodi Wodi and Walbunja artist Lauren Henry and Biripi artist Brittany Cochrane as depicted above.
Can you spot the wind turbines and solar panels? Each element in the artwork layer holds a specific meaning for Spark Renewables.
Through the depiction of people in their yarning circles, wind turbines, solar panels, dinawan (emu) tracks, meeting places and Country, the artwork tells a story of Spark Renewables and its role in up-skilling local community members to provide job opportunities and training to positively impact and give back to community for sharing their knowledge.
The connected yarning circles represent the commitment to continue to grow and remain teachable on cultural safety.
The connected watering holes on the outer layer of the piece represent the flow-on effect of sharing knowledge and commitment to continue on Spark Renewables’ growth journey to better our practices and acknowledge the land we work on as being Aboriginal land.
Yirra Miya artwork created for Spark RenewablesSmoking ceremony during an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment
DEH Pilot Grant Program
Spark Renewables is pleased to announce a Pilot Grant Program designed to provide positive social and environmental outcomes at the local level. Spark Renewables will distribute $20,000 this year to eligible applicants. The Pilot Grant Program seeks to benefit the communities closest to the project, focusing on initiatives within 55km of the proposed project area, which includes Coleambally, Jerilderie and Darlington Point. The funding priorities for the Pilot Grant Program include:
Local infrastructure and services;
Employment or education opportunities;
Community social benefits, inclusion, health and well-being;
Sustainability or enhancing the natural environment;
Heritage preservation, restoration and promotion;
Outdoor recreational activities, sports and clubs;
Art and culture;
Community events and festivals; and
Youth development.
Spark Renewables intends to transition the Pilot Grant Program into an annual community benefits program for the life of the DEH once the project commences construction. The future amount of the community benefits program will be based on the final size of the project. View more information here.
DEH development pathway
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. Spark Renewables submitted a Development Application (DA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).
The EIS for the Dinawan Wind Farm is on public exhibition from 12 July to 8 August 2024. The Spark Renewables Team will be hosting public consultation events. We will be on hand to show study results, share project information and answer any questions. The next phase is ‘Response to Submissions’ where Spark Renewables responds to the feedback received during the exhibition period. Visit the NSW Planning Portal here to view the project documents.
Benefits of the project
Direct and indirect economic opportunities for Coleambally, Jerilderie and the surrounding region.
Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to up to 3.2 million tonnes per year.
Up to 600 jobs during construction and up to 50 ongoing jobs.
Clean, renewable electricity, equivalent to powering more than 700,000 homes.
Annual contributions to an industry-leading Community Benefit Fund.
Impact avoidance
Spark Renewables has maximised avoidance of potential impacts by:
Avoiding higher quality native vegetation and threatened species habitat as much as possible.
Protecting significant heritage
values identified in consultation
with First Nations stakeholders.
Introducing setbacks of at least 2 km between neighbouring residences and the closest turbines.
Including an on-site accommodation facility to house
the majority of the project’s construction workforce.
Planning and assessment process
Community benefit fund
Spark Renewables has been consulting with Murrumbidgee Council, Edward River Council and the local community to provide maximum value to the nearby community and local townships. The fund would:
Contribute towards Murrumbidgee
and Edward River Councils’ approved priority developments, including new childcare infrastructure and critical
worker accommodation.
Fund initiatives to share project benefits with the neighbouring community.
Provide annual grants to community projects through a fund administered by a committee of Council with local representatives.
Fund initiatives to share project benefits with local First Nations communities.
The funding would be provided on an annual basis, commencing at the start of construction and linked to the size of the project. The ultimate size of the project will depend on a number of factors including outcomes of the planning assessment process and subsequent conditions of consent, grid connection approval, access rights and detailed design. The table below outlines funding commitments for solar and wind projects.
Project is located in the NSW South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) administered by the state-run Energy Corporation (EnergyCo).
Funding is additional to the project-led community-benefit sharing above.
EnergyCo will charge “Access Fees” from projects within the REZ.
Funding would be administered by EnergyCo for initiatives within the region.
Community purposes (e.g., public or community services or infrastructure, health services or infrastructure): $1,700/MW per year Employment purposes (e.g., employment programs and associated services and facilities, skills and training programs and associated services and facilities): $600/MW per year
Subsidised electricity and solar and battery systems
Spark Renewables will fund electricity subsidies to all qualifying neighbours within 10km of the Dinawan Wind Farm. The program is intended to serve as an energy rebate scheme, and payments will start when project construction commences and continue through the life of the project. The subsidy amount will be linked to the distance of neighbours’ legal dwellings to the wind turbines.
Spark Renewables will also provide $5,000 towards solar and BESS systems and energy audits for neighbours within 10km of wind turbines, as well as a $5,000 rebate for audits to baseline on-farm emissions. Key features of the Neighbour Benefits Initiative include:
Available to neighbours within 10km of turbines at time of construction
Voluntary initiative where neighbours can choose to opt-in
We were deeply honoured to have Leslie McLeod, a respected Yuin, Dharawal and Ngarigo Custodian and loreman, deliver a Welcome to Country for Spark Renewablesat our recent RAP launch, a significant milestone in our reconciliation journey.
The Smoking Ceremony connected us deeply with the natural environment around us, allowing us to engage in spiritual and physical cleansing through this ancient tradition.
Understanding the significance of a Smoking Ceremony
A smoking ceremony is an ancient custom among Aboriginal communities, involving the smouldering of various native plants to produce smoke with cleansing, purifying properties, believed to ward off bad spirits. This tradition, one of the oldest ceremonies still performed today, has been practiced for centuries.
Depending on the occasion, these ceremonies serve multiple purposes, including healing, spiritual renewal, and strengthening, as well as marking significant life events such as births and mourning periods (known as Sorry Business). Additionally, they can be used to cleanse objects that have crossed cultural boundaries.
Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals can request smoking ceremonies. However, due to their profound cultural significance, they are conducted only with the approval and guidance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with careful consideration of the appropriate timing.
We took this opportunity to pay our respects to the land of the Cameragal people, where the Spark Renewables office stands, and where our team gathers each week.
Telling our story
Our vision – to develop, own and operate renewable energy assets that lead the renewable energy transition in Australia – was beautifully represented in the Dhurga language, through the stunning RAP artwork created for us by the talented artists at Yirra Miya.
The artwork tells the story of Spark Renewables, where the colours represent our coastal head office and our inland development projects. The elements depict our role in working with local community members, learning from their knowledge and sharing expertise toward the development of renewable energy projects.
The connected yarning circles represent our commitment to continue to grow and remain teachable on cultural safety. The wind turbines and solar panels represent the energy forms we harness, while the emu ‘Dinawan’ tracks are a specific reference to our Dinawan Energy Hub. The people symbols represent the connections made through our projects.
These elements all come together in the final artwork; representing the sharing of knowledge, our growth journey, and acknowledgement of the land we work on, as being Aboriginal land.
Spark Renewables’ Reconciliation Action Plan coming together
We were fortunate to have Leslie McLeod perform this sacred ritual to mark the launch of Spark Renewables’ Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan. Crucially, our Reconciliation Action Plan includes content from every Spark Renewables employee, and has been strongly supported by the senior leadership team.
Reflecting on the process of reconciliation, Spark Renewables’ CEO, Anthony Marriner, said in the Reconciliation Action Plan:
“Coming from South Africa, the idea of reconciliation and respect for the Custodians of the land resonates very powerfully for me. There was much pain and suffering in South Africa until we went through the reconciliation process, which helped to heal the nation and empower the people.
Every person has the right to be treated with respect and kindness.
As I grow to understand Australia better, I can see that there is a need for reconciliation here as well, and that that desire is genuine and heartfelt. I am delighted that we can play a material role in this as it aligns directly with our values.
At Spark Renewables, we will be developing and constructing many wind, solar and battery projects over the coming years. We have always placed the community first and are proud to have established what is to our knowledge at the time of construction the largest solar farm community fund in Australia.
We acknowledge our obligation to ensure that we work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and are always respectful of their land and their wonderful and rich cultures, which need to be preserved and cherished. In addition, we see an opportunity to make a massive positive difference to the lives of the communities that are impacted by our projects.
Our modus operandi is to make an on-the-ground impact in a way that is measurable and meaningful and focuses on those most in need – our ongoing support of the Girls at the Centre program at Mt Austin High School in Wagga Wagga, where over 40% of the students identify as Indigenous, is just one example of this.”
You can read more reflections on reconciliation from our team members here.
We are grateful to our Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator Shaurntae Lyons, whose guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in preparing our first Reconciliation Action Plan. Shaurntae plays a critical role in our engagement with First Nations communities and in developing inclusive partnerships with First Nations People and organisations across our renewable energy projects. She brings a deep cultural knowledge that supports the planning and implementation of all our projects and has helped to connect with communities at our Dinawan Energy Hub and Mallee Energy Hub.
Dinawan Wind Farm – Environmental Impact Statement Public Exhibition
The 2.3 gigawatt (GW) Dinawan Energy Hub (DEH) is a proposed hybrid renewable energy project being developed by Spark Renewables. DEH consists of the Dinawan Wind Farm, and the Dinawan Solar Farm 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 on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people and several smaller nations of the Murrumbidgee plains.
Both the wind farm and solar farm are State Significant Developments to be assessed by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Dinawan Wind Farm has been submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), and is on public exhibition from Friday 12 July – Thursday 8 August. The next phase is ‘Response to Submissions’ where Spark Renewables responds to the feedback received during the exhibition period.
The Spark Renewables Team will be hosting public consultation events on 23 July – 24 July during the exhibition of the EIS. We will be on hand to show study results, share project information and answer any questions. The location and times are:
Tuesday, 23 July 2024 at 1-3:30pm: Jerilderie Library John Monash Media Room
Wednesday, 24 July 2024 at 3-6:30pm (with a presentation at 5:30pm): Muddy Duck Tapas Bar & Events in Coleambally
Dinawan Solar Farm EIS public exhibition was from 17 November to 15 December 2023; and is currently under assessment by the DPHI.
Spark Renewables is part of the leading Malaysian energy utility, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, a group of companies owning and operating renewable energy projects in Malaysia, Turkey, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Spark Renewables, an Australian developer and long-term owner of renewable energy generation assets developing the Dinawan Energy Hub in the South West Renewable Energy Zone, has announced a $20,000 Pilot Grant Program will be available for communities surrounding our Dinawan Energy Hub this year. This builds on $10,000 of sponsorships already provided to the surrounding community.
The 2.3 gigawatt Dinawan Energy Hub is located approximately 33 km south of Coleambally, NSW, on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people and several smaller nations of the Murrumbidgee plains, and comprises 1,200 megawatts (MW) wind, 800 MW solar, and 300 MW of battery storage.
In order to provide positive social and environmental outcomes at the local level, Spark Renewables will distribute $20,000 this year to eligible applicants. The Pilot Grant Program seeks to benefit the communities closest to the project, focusing on initiatives within 55 km of the proposed project area, which includes Coleambally, Jerilderie or Darlington Point.
The funding priorities for the Pilot Grant Program include:
Local infrastructure and services
Employment or education opportunities
Community social benefits, inclusion, health and well-being
Sustainability or enhance the natural environment
Heritage preservation, restoration and promotion
Outdoor recreational activities, sports and clubs
Art and culture
Community events and festivals
Youth development
Spark Renewables intends to transition the Pilot Grant Program into an annual community benefits program for the life of the Dinawan Energy Hub once the project commences construction. The future amount of the community benefits program will be based on the final size of the project.
“We care about the land we build on, working closely with landowners, local communities and government to develop low-carbon energy projects, whilst also driving positive social and environmental outcomes at a local level,” said Will Stone, Head of Development at Spark Renewables.
Applications are accepted until 15 August 2024 (inclusive).
If you are interested to learn more about the Pilot Grant Program, or would like to apply, please read more here.
The Wattle Creek Energy Hub is a Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project located on the ‘Arthursleigh’ property owned by University of Sydney, located approximately 12km north-east of Marulan in the NSW Southern Tablelands region, situated in the Upper Lachlan Shire.
The Project will also support university research and education through a new onsite, test-bed facility, the establishment of a research fund and other research and education initiatives.
The Wattle Creek Energy Hub initially included a wind farm component, however, this aspect of the Project is no longer proceeding due to low wind speed being recorded onsite.
We are keen to further engage with community members and interested stakeholders to provide an update on the Project and will be holding two community drop-in sessions. Community members will be able to meet with the Spark Renewables team, learn more about the proposed Wattle Creek Energy Hub, and the preliminary results from a range of assessments being undertaken as a part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Project.
Next drop-in sessions
Friday, 31 May 2024 between 4pm and 7pm at the Marulan War Memorial Hall
Saturday, 1 June 2024 between 9am and 12pm at the Canyonleigh Community Hall
Environmental Impact Statement and Social Impact Assessment
The Project is a State Significant Development which requires a comprehensive EIS to be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). The Solar and BESS components will be progressed through separate approval processes, a separate development application accompanied by separate EISs will be submitted for each component. Umwelt Environmental and Social consultants have been engaged by Spark Renewables to prepare the EIS, including a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and a range of specialist assessments, including:
Aboriginal cultural heritage
Biodiversity
Hazards including fire, bushfire, electromagnetic fields and interference
Spark Renewables is holding a series of workshops to exchange ideas with community members on sharing the benefits of renewable energy. This is an open-invitation event to be held at three locations:
This is an open-invitation event to be held at three locations:
Coleambally Community Club, 3 Falcon Road, at 6pm on Tuesday, 22 August 2023
Darlington Point Sports Club, 6 Demamiel Street, at 6pm on Wednesday, 23 August 2023
Jerilderie Civic Hall, Ian Gilbert Room, 33 Jerilderie Street, at 6pm on Thursday, 24 August 2023
There will be a presentation of ideas put forward to date and experience from other projects, followed by an open discussion. Light refreshments will be provided.
If you’re unable to attend the workshops but interested in discussing benefit-sharing, please contact us to set up a meeting or a call via emailing info@dinawanenergyhub.com or leaving a message at 1300 271 419.
