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.
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.
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.
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.
Together with Shaurntae Lyons, Alexis Tubb, and Julian Kasby, Spark Renewables presented its Aboriginal Participation Plan and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the CEO of Griffith LALC, Steve Young.
We look forward to collaborating to create training and employment opportunities, and bring business to the local area.
One of our top priorities has been biodiversity, focusing on wildlife protection and preserving the Weeping Myall woodlands.
In preparing our Response, we could point to Spark Renewables’ track record at Bomen Solar Farm, with careful management of weed control and commitment to biodiversity showcasing our nature-positive impacts.
The key take-away in planning this project was creating solutions for compatibility of solar farms with native plants and animals.
Spark Renewables partners with landowners early on in the development phase to support sustainable farming and incorporate agrisolar initiatives. Our Bomen Solar Farm hosts 1,000-2,000 Merino wethers and dry ewes to control vegetation growth.
Traffic and transport management, and bushfire management during the construction and operational phases have been key focus areas.
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.”
Partnership with Macquarie Law School to drive research in Australia’s renewable energy transition
Spark Renewables is thrilled to announce that it has commenced a partnership with Macquarie University to drive research and participation in Australia’s renewable energy transition.
Our Chief Legal Officer Claire Dawson caught up with Macquarie University’s Dr. Madeline Taylor and legal intern Nischala McDonnell to discuss the partnership.
Dr. Madeline Taylor is the Director of Research Training at Macquarie Law School and a Senior Lecturer in Law at Macquarie University. Her research aims to create innovative legal models to facilitate the co-development of renewable energy and agricultural production through agrivoltaics.
Agrivoltaics involves combining solar energy production and agriculture on the same land, which provides benefits including a secondary income stream for farmers with renewable energy projects on their land.
The three-year Fellowship will support research on the energy transition that responds to industry needs. This program will connect researchers, industry, and government to develop the best regulations for agrivoltaics, aiming to improve energy justice.
Nischala McDonnell, a PhD candidate at Macquarie Law School, completed her legal internship with Spark Renewables. We would like to thank Nischala for her contribution in running several projects, including exploring the application of ecovoltaics in Australia and engaging in communication support activities for the Dinawan Energy Hub development.
This partnership is part of our ongoing effort to build our relationships with Australian universities, to work together with some of the best minds from across the nation and play our part in progressing the renewable energy transition in Australia.
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
