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.”
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.
ICN Gateway open: review and register interest for work packages at Dinawan Wind Stage 1
Spark Renewables has local delivery targets to ensure that the Dinawan Energy Hub contributes positively to the economy, and foster 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.
Businesses can register their expression of interest and view work packages available for Dinawan Wind Stage 1via the ICN Gateway here.
South West REZ Roadshow: Industry & Community Briefing
We would like to invite you to a briefing session organised for local suppliers and communities in relation to the South West Renewable Energy Zone projects, including the Dinawan Energy Hub being developed by Spark Renewables (as announced here).
The Spark Renewables team will join the ‘South West Major Projects Roadshow’ along with EnergyCo, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and other project developers.
Separate briefing sessions are available for the industry and communities.
Where and when?
The Spark Renewables team will be presenting at the following sessions. For full details of the program, visit the website of EnergyCo.
Industry briefing sessions (pre-registrations are required): ? 9.30am-4pm on 27/05 at the Buronga Midway Community Centre ? 9.30am-12pm on 29/05 at the Deniliquin Golf Club ? 9:30-12pm on 30/05 at the Griffith Exies Club
Community briefing sessions: ? 3pm-6.30pm on 28/05 at the Coleambally Community Hall ? 3pm-6.30pm on 29/05 at the Jerilderie Civic Centre
Why attend?
Local businesses; Learn about upcoming work opportunities related to the South West Renewable Energy Zone. It’s an opportunity to meet the industry representatives from renewable energy companies, ask questions and network. Pre-registrations are required. Find out more via EnergyCo here.
Community engagement; These information events will provide an opportunity for local residents to be updated on the South West Renewable Energy Zone and hear from the proponents of the projects that have been granted access rights. Find out more via EnergyCo here.
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 awarded access rights In April 2025, EnergyCo announced that Dinawan Energy Hub was one of four successful projects to be awarded access rights. At Dinawan Energy Hub, access rights were awarded to: Dinawan Wind Stage 1 (357 MW); Dinawan Wind Stage 2 (350 MW); and Dinawan Solar & BESS Hybrid (300 MW / 1,200 MWh).
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.
