Spark Renewables – Spark Renewables

Spark Renewables announces proposed Wattle Creek Energy Hub in partnership with the Sydney University

Spark Renewables announces proposed Wattle Creek Energy Hub in partnership with the University of Sydney

24 February 2023

Following an extensive market selection process, renewable energy developer and long-term owner and operator, Spark Renewables, has been selected by the University of Sydney to investigate and develop a hybrid renewable energy facility on the University’s Arthursleigh property, located in the New South Wales Southern Tablelands.

The proposed site is situated approximately 12 kilometres north-east of Marulan, and approximately two hours’ drive from Sydney. The proposal is strategically positioned to make use of an existing high voltage substation, located adjacent to the property, to deliver clean, renewable energy from the energy hub to the University, local electricity users and the rest of NSW.

If approved, the Wattle Creek Energy Hub could generate up to 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity from the sun and wind, providing enough clean, reliable energy to power around 170,000 households per year while offsetting the emission of around 950,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. The proposal also includes the installation of a large-scale battery with a capacity of up to 500 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity, which would be dispatched on command to provide a range of network support services.

A key element of the proposed energy hub is a two acre “test-bed facility”, which would enable the University of Sydney to undertake research on new and emerging technologies, including further testing of innovative battery systems developed by Gelion, a company spun out from the University in 2015.

Spark Renewables and the University have also agreed to an ongoing research agreement throughout the life of the energy hub, collaborating on initiatives related to clean energy in the fields of science, engineering, business and economics. The proposed partnership will also include a work experience and placement program for undergraduate and PhD students.

The project design will ensure that the University’s existing commercial research and teaching activities can continue on the Arthursleigh farm, with the wind turbines occupying a small proportion of the 6,200 hectare property and the solar farm designed to allow sheep to graze underneath the solar panels.

Anthony Marriner, Head of Spark Renewables, said: “We are honoured to have been selected by the University of Sydney to investigate and develop the proposed Wattle Creek Energy Hub. We look forward to collaborating with the University.”

Spark Renewables will shortly commence consultation with local community members, Traditional Owners and other interested stakeholders.

“If approved, Wattle Creek Energy Hub will bring significant benefits for both the local community and broader region in the form of job creation, investment in the local infrastructure, and through the provision of long-term funding for local social and environmental initiatives. Our commitment includes the establishment of a substantial community benefit fund and also a separate neighbour benefit scheme, which could be used to lower household electricity costs,” Mr Marriner said.

University of Sydney Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research – Enterprise and Engagement) Professor Julie Cairney said: “This long-term partnership with Spark Renewables will support a research program and infrastructure for the translation of research into innovative renewable energy technologies. New clean energy products and knowledge will benefit Australia’s environment and the economy. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

The first community drop-in session for the proposed Wattle Creek Energy Hub project will be held from 2-7pm on Thursday, 9 March 2023 at the Marulan War Memorial Hall (80 George Street, Marulan, 2579). Community members will be able to talk to the Spark Renewables’ team to learn more about the project and provide initial feedback.

More information can be found at www.wattlecreekenergyhub.com, and Spark Renewables can be contacted on 1300 271 419 or via email at info@wattlecreekenergyhub.com.

ENDS

Contact:
Daniel Leahy, Senior Development Manager

E: daniel.leahy@sparkrenewables.com

About Spark Renewables

Spark Renewables is a developer and long-term owner and operator of renewable energy generation assets. Our operational portfolio comprises of the 100 MW Bomen Solar Farm near Wagga Wagga which commenced operations in 2020. Our large development portfolio includes a number of wind, solar and storage projects in the National Electricity Market.

Spark Renewables is owned by the Spark Infrastructure Group – an owner of leading essential energy infrastructure, including generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure across Australia.

Spark Renewables is a member of the Clean Energy Council (CEC) and a signatory to the CEC’s Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Developments.

About Arthursleigh Farm

The farm was bequeathed to the University in 1979 and is operated commercially producing Merino wool, Angus cattle and cereals while supporting a range of teaching and research.

Download the media release: Spark Renewables announces proposed Wattle Creek Energy Hub in partnership with the University of Sydney

Wattle Creek Energy Hub Community Newsletter #1

Wattle Creek Energy Hub / By Spark Renewables

Wattle Creek Energy Hub Community Newsletter #1

23 February 2023

The Proposal: Wattle Creek Energy Hub

The Wattle Creek Energy Hub is a hybrid renewable energy facility proposed 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 Energy Hub is proposed to include a wind farm, solar farm and a Battery Energy Storage Facility (BESS).

The project is being developed by Spark Renewables, a leading developer and long-term owner and operator of renewable energy assets. If it proceeds, the project could also support university research and education through a new, onsite, test-bed facility, a research fund and other initiatives.

We are keen to hear from community members and interested stakeholders and will be holding an initial community drop-in session from 2pm to 7pm
on Thursday, 9th March 2023 at the Marulan War Memorial Hall, 80 George Street, Marulan. Community members will be able to talk to the Spark Renewables team, learn more about the proposal, and provide initial feedback. Please see the last page of this newsletter for further information.

Why this site?

The proposed site is strategically located to take advantage of local wind conditions, the local solar resource and its location relative to the existing electricity transmission network with a proposed connection to the Marulan Substation.

About the site

The farm is owned by the University of Sydney after being bequeathed in 1979. The farm is operated commercially and is used for a range of research initiatives including agricultural science, pasture agronomy and unmanned aerial vehicle applications. Agricultural land use will continue with the operation of the project, with sheep grazing within the wind and solar farm areas.

What are the community benefits?

The local community will be able to benefit from a range of opportunities connected with the proposal if progressed, including a community fund and a neighbour benefit fund. Spark Renewables is looking to work with local stakeholders to co-design a program that meets the unique needs of the wider community, and delivers long-lasting social, economic and environmental benefits for decades to come. We are keen to hear any ideas from community members as the benefit scheme is developed. If you wish to have a chat or organise a time to meet, please contact us via email at info@wattlecreekenergyhub.com or call 1300 271 419.

Committed to reconciliation

Spark Renewables is putting in place a Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan and is committed to creating lasting, positive change for Aboriginal communities. We acknowledge that setting a benchmark as part of First Nations participation plans for each of our projects will be an important step to achieve economic empowerment of First Nations people.

What approvals are required?

The proposal would be considered a State Significant Development and would require development consent under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (EP&A Act). Three Development Applications (DAs) are proposed to be submitted, one for each component of the proposed project (wind, solar and BESS), which would be accompanied by detailed Environmental Impact Statements (EISs). These would include comprehensive assessments identifying the potential impacts of the Project and how to best manage these impacts. A detailed Social Impact Assessment (SIA) would also be prepared for each component of the project as part of the EISs.

The SIAs would include a comprehensive community engagement program and would be prepared following the NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s (DPE) Social Impact Assessment Guideline for State Significant Projects (2021). The Project may also require approval under the federal
Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

What is proposed

Wind

Up to 34 wind turbine generators typically spaced 500-1000 meters apart and connected via underground cables.
Modern wind turbines have a tower (hub) height up to 180 metres and blade length up to 100 metres.

Solar

Photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on single axis trackers that slowly rotate and follow the sun from east to west each day.

Battery

A containerised BESS built within the wind and solar farm enabling electricity to be stored and then exported as needed.

Studies

Noise and vibration
Social impact assessment
Visual amenity
Shadow flicker
Biodiversity
Aboriginal heritage
European heritage
Traffic and access
Contamination
Flooding and hydrology
Soils
Bushfire
Waste
Aviation
Electromagnetic interference
Land use
Cumulative impacts

What is a Scoping Report?

A Scoping Report is the first step in the development application process. A Scoping Report provides an outline of the proposed project and identifies important issues that will require further technical studies, assessment and consultation, and is a formal request to the DPE to issue Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs). Separate Scoping Reports will be developed for each of the three technology components of the Project.

Who is developing the EISs and SIAs?

Spark Renewables has commissioned Umwelt Environmental and Social Consultants to undertake a series of preliminary environmental and technical assessments and to prepare the three Scoping Reports. Umwelt will be consulting with the community alongside Spark Renewables and Spectrum Communications to inform the preparation of the EISs and SIAs.

Planning process

The NSW Government has a legislated planning process in eight stages to ensure that a project is suitable for the community, economy, and environment, and therefore whether it should be granted a development approval.

Community consultation

The proposed Wattle Creek Energy Hub project is in the early stages of development and will undergo rigorous planning and assessment. As part of this,
we will undertake extensive community consultation and encourage all stakeholders and community members to get involved in this process. This will
occur prior to formal development applications being submitted to planning authorities.

Drop-in session

You are welcome to drop in to our first information session at any time to meet the Spark Renewables team, ask questions and learn about the proposed
Wattle Creek Energy Hub. We are hosting a face-to-face session at:

Marulan War Memorial Hall 80 George Street, Marulan, NSW, 2579

Thursday, 9th March 2023 between 2pm-7pm

Contact

Call us at 1300 271 419
Visit Facebook at facebook.com/wattlecreekenergyhub
Sign up to community newsletters here.
Complete a brief survey and give us your feedback here.

Download the newsletter here.

Mallee Wind Farm Scoping Report submitted

Mallee Wind Farm, Spark Renewables / By Spark Renewables

Mallee Wind Farm Scoping Report submitted

16 January 2023

Spark Renewables has reached a significant milestone for the proposed 1-gigawatt Mallee Wind Farm development, our second project in the formally declared NSW South-West Renewable Energy Zone, sitting at the opposite end of the Dinawan Energy Hub project.

The project is proposed to be within the formally declared NSW South-West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). Sitting at the opposite end of the REZ to the proposed Dinawan Energy Hub (also being developed by Spark Renewables), Mallee Wind Farm would provide a unique opportunity to significantly strengthen and secure the transmission network within the REZ by leveraging the battery storage capabilities of each project.

*The proposed Mallee Wind Farm project is located west of the NSW South-West Renewable Energy Zone*

Spark Renewables has commissioned consultants to undertake a series of preliminary environmental assessments and prepare a Scoping Report for the wind farm. The Scoping Report outlines the proposed project in more detail and identifies important issues that will require further assessment, consultation or technical studies.

The Scoping Report was submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) and is available via the following link: Mallee Wind Farm Scoping Report.

Next, the DPE will issue its requirements, known as Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs), within 28 days of receiving the Scoping Report. The SEARs will need to be addressed in a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will be prepared over this year.

The community will be consulted further during the EIS preparation and have the opportunity to make a formal submission when the EIS goes on public exhibition. Part of the EIS will be a Social Impact Assessment, a survey in which all community and stakeholders are invited to participate to provide feedback about their concerns and perspectives about the project. The Mallee Wind Farm Social Impact Assessment survey is available here.

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

Dinawan Energy Hub project Scoping Reports submitted

Dinawan Energy Hub, Spark Renewables / By Spark Renewables

Dinawan Energy Hub project Scoping Reports submitted

16 November 2022

The Dinawan Energy Hub is a proposed hybrid wind, solar and battery storage project located about halfway between Coleambally and Jerilderie, on the land of the traditional owners of the Wiradjuri people and several smaller nations of the Murrumbidgee plains.

The Energy Hub is proposed to be within the NSW South-West Renewable Energy Zone and is developed by Spark Renewables, a leading developer and long-term owner of renewable energy projects.

Spark Renewables has commissioned consultants to undertake a series of preliminary environmental assessments and prepare two Scoping Reports: one for the proposed wind farm and one for the solar farm. The Scoping Reports outline the proposed project in more detail and identify important issues that will require further assessment, consultation or technical studies.

The Scoping Reports were submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) and are available vial the following links:

Next, the DPE will issue its requirements, known as Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs), within 28 days of receiving the Scoping Reports. The SEARs will need to be addressed in a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for each project that will be prepared over the coming year.

The community will be consulted further during the EIS preparation and have the opportunity to make a formal submission when the EIS goes on public exhibition.

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

Project overview

Generation capacity of 1,500 MW (wind farm) and 1,000 MW (solar farm).
‘On demand’ battery energy with a capacity of 300 MW.
Powering up to 1 million homes.
Equivalent to offsetting ~6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually or planting 160,000 eucalyptus trees each year.
Jobs and training: ~1,000 construction jobs and 50-100 operations and maintenance jobs.

Read the latest community newsletter here.

*Investigation area of the Dinawan Wind Farm and Dinawan Solar Farm*

Mallee Wind Farm: first community consultation

Mallee Wind Farm / By Spark Renewables

Mallee Wind Farm: first community consultation a success

24 August 2022

Spark Renewables has held its first community drop-in session for the proposed Mallee Wind Farm, announced in early August 2022.

The drop-in session was held on Tuesday, 23 August at the Midway Centre near Buronga.

The three-hour drop-in session was open for all community members to come by and meet with the Spark Renewables development team, read information posters about the proposed project, look at the investigation area on a map, and provide feedback on the proposal, both verbally and via a survey.

Julian Kasby, Senior Development Manager at Spark Renewables, said:

“It was fantastic to be in Buronga and meet so the local community.

“We were pleased to be able to hear the insights and questions from over 20 local community members who attended. We were also able to connect with local service providers and individuals who are interested in being a part of the project either through our planned local employment program, or through opportunities to provide goods and services during the construction and operational phases of the project,” Mr Kasby said.

Feedback on the proposed project was largely positive. Community members in attendance were most interested in understanding the size of the project, the technology that will power the proposed wind farm, and how Spark Renewables will mitigate some of the potential issues that may arise as part of the project, such as visual and noise amenity impacts, and impacts to native flora and fauna. The Spark Renewables team were also asked questions on decommissioning and site rehabilitation.

During the drop-in session and through the completed community surveys, helpful suggestions were made by the community on potential benefit-sharing opportunities, including:

Local sourcing of services, materials and labour;
Local community groups and clubs that would benefit from an annual community fund; and
Improved communications and road upgrades along Arumpo Road.

Materials displayed at the consultation session are available here:

Survey remains open for feedback via this link.

Mallee Wind Farm community consultation drop-in session, 23 August 2022

Over 20 people attended the drop-in session in Buronga

Community members provided feedback and suggestions verbally and via a survey

ENDS

Contact:
Julian Kasby
M: 0411 638 651
E: julian.kasby@sparkrenewables.com

About Spark Renewables

Spark Renewables is a leading developer and long-term owner and operator of renewable energy generation assets. Our operational portfolio comprises the 100 MW Bomen Solar Farm near Wagga Wagga, contracted to Westpac and Flow Power, which commenced operations in 2020. Our large development portfolio includes wind, solar and storage projects in the National Electricity Market.

Spark Renewables is owned by the Spark Infrastructure Group – an owner of critical energy infrastructure, including generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure across Australia.

Spark Renewables is a member of the Clean Energy Council (CEC) and a signatory to the CEC’s Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Developments.

Spark Renewables announces proposed Mallee Wind Farm and launches community consultation

Mallee Wind Farm, Spark Renewables / By Spark Renewables

Spark Renewables announces proposed Mallee Wind Farm and launches community consultation

11 August 2022

Leading renewable energy developer and operator, Spark Renewables, has announced plans to develop the Mallee Wind Farm in the South-West Renewable Energy Zone of New South Wales.

The proposed wind farm would be located approximately 16 kilometres to the north-east of Buronga in Wentworth Shire and would have a generation capacity of up to 1 gigawatt (GW), providing enough renewable electricity to power 450,000 Australian homes on average, over the course of a year*.

The proposed wind farm, which would also feature a containerised battery energy storage system, would offset up to 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually**. The project would connect to the National Electricity Market via transmission infrastructure upgraded as part of Project EnergyConnect.

The project will be classified a State Significant Development and will undergo a rigorous planning and assessment process, with comprehensive stakeholder and community consultation required as part of this process.

The first community drop-in session will be held from 3pm-6pm on Tuesday, 23 August 2022 at the Midway Centre, 6 Midway Drive, Buronga. Community members will be able to talk to the Spark Renewables team to learn more about the project and provide initial feedback.

Anthony Marriner, Head of Spark Renewables, said: “We are excited to announce the Mallee Wind Farm project, which is expected to bring significant benefits to the local community and region in the form of jobs and investment, as well as funding for local community initiatives through a community fund that would be established for the life of the project.

“The proposed site for the Mallee Wind Farm has been chosen as it has a number of highly favourable factors, including a strong wind resource, good location within the South-West Renewable Energy Zone in New South Wales, and the very low density of housing within 10 kilometres,” said Marriner.

“Additionally, the proposed site features a flat terrain, meaning that complex earthworks would be avoided during construction, and the site can continue to be used for grazing and cropping purposes, with turbines taking up less than two percent of the proposed project site.”

“Spark Renewables is committed to supporting the local communities we become a part of. Our track record of engaging authentically with, and delivering strong benefits to, the local community whilst minimising disruption, is important to us. This includes our commitment to engaging with First Nations community members and businesses throughout the project consultation, construction and operation phases. To help us keep delivering on these commitments, we strongly encourage local community members to participate in community consultation where they can, and to ask questions and provide feedback to our team,” said Marriner.

For more information, read the Mallee Wind Farm project community newsletter here. The Spark Renewables team can also be reached on 1300 271 419.

*based on household consumption of 6,700 kWh/year
**based on National Greenhouse Account Factors (DCCEEW, 2021)

ENDS

Contact:

Julian Kasby
M: 0411 638 651
E: julian.kasby@stage.sparkrenewables.com

Download the full media release here.

Project Update: Scoping Report & Next Drop-In Session

Mates Gully Solar Farm / By Spark Renewables

Project update: Scoping Report & next drop-in session

31 May 2022

Scoping Report submitted to DPE

We are excited to announce the submission of the proposed Mates Gully Solar Farm Scoping Report to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE). The project documents are available to view on the Major Projects portal via this link.

The DPE will issue environmental assessment requirements (SEARs) within 28 days and the full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposal will be undertaken in accordance with these SEARs.

Consultation

Spark Renewables will hold a face-to-face open drop-in session from 2pm-7pm on Thursday, 16 June 2022 at Quality Inn Carriage House (7 Eunony Bridge Rd, East Wagga Wagga). You are welcome to drop in any time to meet the Spark Renewables team and ask questions about the proposed Mates Gully Solar Farm.

If you are unable to make this drop-in session, contact us at info@sparkrenewables.com or 1300 271 419 to have a chat or organise another time to meet.

Download: Mates Gully Solar Farm Project Update – 31 May 2022

Spark Renewables Participates in PV Industries’ Circular Solar Trial

Bomen Solar Farm, Spark Renewables / By Spark Renewables

Spark Renewables Participates in PV Industries’ Circular Solar Trial

20 April 2022

A project funded by the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority

Spark Renewables is proud to announce its participation in the Circular Solar Trial, conducted by a leading solar panel recycling and resource recovery company in Australia, PV Industries.

The project brings together a collaborative and industry-led approach to develop solar panel recycling and end-of-life solutions for the solar and lithium-ion battery economies.

This project has been funded under the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) Circular Solar grants program. The EPA is supporting this project through its Circular Solar Grants Program with funding of $997,969.

Circular Solar Trial project outcomes

Develop a novel solar panel recycling process for use in NSW by PV Industries.
Establish a metro and regional collection and logistics network in partnership with local government and Greentech Sydney.
Activate end-markets for recovered solar panel glass in partnership with University of New South Wales’ School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and John Holland.
Enable future opportunities for solar panel reuse, in partnership with UNSW’s School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering.
Improved procedures for safe handling and transport of lithium-ion batteries, in partnership with Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.
Assessment of the solar industry to identify solar panel recycling market challenges and opportunities, in partnership with University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures, NSW Circular, Maoneng and Spark Renewables.

The project, which commenced in early 2021, will improve safe handling and transport procedures, establish a collection and logistics network for urban and regional NSW, optimise solar panel recycling and processing techniques, develop new end-markets for recovered materials and enable future market opportunities for reuse.

Spark Renewables: Knowledge is power

Spark Renewables is excited to partner with PV Industries in its project to develop a resource recovery and recycling solution.

“There is a sense of rising community concern over what happens with solar modules after they are no longer useable on-site, and we are deeply committed to finding sustainable end-of-life solutions for these modules,” said Anthony Marriner, Head of Spark Renewables.

“Through its partnership with PV Industries, Spark Renewables will provide data from the Bomen Solar Farm to the UTS and will allow UNSW to use Bomen Solar Farm as a testing ground for its Solar Panel Triage Unit technology,” explained Mr Marriner.

“We look forward to the industry and the broader community reaping the benefits of this project, and ones like it, by increasing diversion of solar panel waste from landfill, stimulating economic activity, and promoting a safe and sustainable circular solar economy in NSW.”

“The EPA’s Circular Solar Grants program is directly focused on finding solutions to the emerging solar panel waste stream,” said Kristie Brown, Director of Circular Economy Programs, NSW EPA.

“It’s a program that supports the type of trials proposed by PV Industries – collaborative ‘whole of supply chain’ projects that provide innovative solutions to manage end-of-life solar panels and battery systems. It’s all part of building the circular economy of the future in NSW.”

Read the full media release by PV Industries and NSW EPA.

This program was made possible thanks to funding from the NSW EPA’s Circular Solar grants program.

ENDS

Contact:
Will Stone, Head of Development
M: +61 468 745 736
E: will.stone@stage.sparkrenewables.com

About Spark Renewables

Spark Renewables is a leading developer and long-term owner and operator of renewable energy generation assets. Our operational portfolio comprises the 100MW Bomen Solar Farm near Wagga Wagga which commenced operations in 2020. Our development portfolio includes wind, solar and storage projects in the National Electricity Market.

Spark Renewables is owned by the Spark Infrastructure Group – an owner of leading essential energy infrastructure, including generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure across Australia.

Spark Renewables is a member of the Clean Energy Council (CEC) and a signatory to the CEC’s Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Developments.

About PV Industries

PV Industries is leading solar panel recycling and resource recovery in Australia. They have facilities in Sydney and Melbourne while they continue to expand their collection and logistics network. They offer services for collection, logistics, recycling and resource recovery of solar panels and associated solar equipment. PV Industries is a member of the Australian Photovoltaic Institute. For more information on PV Industries: www.pvindustries.com.au

About NSW EPA The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is the primary environmental regulator for New South Wales. They partner with business, government and the community to reduce pollution and waste, protect human health, and prevent degradation of the environment. For more information, visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au

Download Media Release: Spark Renewables Participates in PV Industries’ Circular Solar Trial