Dinawan Solar Farm Consultation Update – IPC Community Meeting Format
Spark Renewables has been advised that, due to lower-than-expected in-person speaker registrations for the previously advertised public meeting for Dinawan Solar Farm, the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) has adjusted the format of the consultation. The IPC has confirmed that one-on-one sessions will replace the public meeting to ensure community members who registered to speak continue to have an appropriate forum to do so. All meeting transcripts will be made publicly available on the IPC’s project webpage.
Decisions regarding meeting formats are made independently by the IPC and Spark Renewables had no input into the IPC’s decision on the Dinawan Solar Farm meeting. Community members seeking further information are encouraged to refer directly to the IPC’s official communications via this link.
The opportunity to provide written submissions directly to the IPC for consideration as part of its determination of the Project remains open to all community members and has been extended until 8 March 2026 at 11.59pm. Submissions can be made via the IPC’s project webpage.
Spark Renewables remains committed to open and transparent engagement with all community members and welcomes ongoing dialogue throughout the assessment process. Spark Renewables has provided an overview of the issues raised through the IPC-led consultation process, along with key concerns raised directly with our project team by community groups. The public briefing presentation slides and accompanying transcript that were prepared for the IPC meeting can be accessed here.
The Dinawan Energy Hub (DEH) is a hybrid renewable energy project consisting of the Dinawan Wind Farm, and the Dinawan Solar Farm, which is accompanied by a battery energy storage system. It is located about halfway between Coleambally and Jerilderie near Transgrid’s Dinawan Substation.
Project components as allocated by EnergyCo under access rights include:
707 MW wind farm (Stages 1 & 2) with 105 wind turbines (up to 250-metre tip height), west of Kidman Way
300 MW solar farm, with 750,000 solar modules installed east and west of Kidman Way
300 MW BESS, providing up to 1,200 MWh of storage
Recent updates
In April 2025, Spark Renewables was awarded access rights for 1,007 MW in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), which authorises projects to apply to connect to the transmission network infrastructure.
In October 2025, the Dinawan Wind Farm (Stage 1) bid was successful in Tender 4 of the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS).
In December 2025, the NSW DPHI recommended conditions of consent for approving the Dinawan Solar Farm Development Application. Speaker registrations for the public meeting in Coleambally close at 12pm. Register to speak through this page.
Community benefit sharing & social commitments
Spark Renewables is committed to creating upskilling, employment and procurement opportunities and co-funding research and innovation programs.
Access fee contributions will be administered by the NSW Energy Corporation (EnergyCo)
Since development of the DEH began, Spark Renewables has contributed $126,700 to local funding and sponsorships, and $35 million of additional South West REZ access fee contributions are expected to be paid over the first 15 years of the project’s lifespan.
Voluntary Planning Agreement
Spark Renewables will enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with Murrumbidgee Council. For the projects being built under the allocation of access rights – 707 MW for the wind farm and 300 MW for the solar farm – this represents an average of a $1 million payment each year to be shared across:
Council’s Critical Capital Projects (70%)
Community Benefit Fund (15%)
Aboriginal Community Fund (7.5%)
Neighbour Benefit Fund (7.5%), which includes the Dinawan Wind Farm Electricity Rebate Scheme (ERS)
Spark Renewables has launched the ERS as part of the Dinawan Neighbour Benefit Program for eligible households near the Dinawan Wind Farm. Households within 10 km of the wind turbines can receive annual electricity rebates between $2,500 and $10,000 for the wind farm’s 35-year lifespan, based on distance from the nearest wind turbine. Spark Renewables is currently engaging with the local landholders to propose an extended ERS for the Dinawan Solar Farm. Read more here.
Submissions for Dinawan Solar Farm Development Application review by the IPC close on 5 March 2026
Under NSW planning legislation, the Dinawan Wind Farm and Solar Farm are both State Significant Developments and therefore require an assessment by the NSW Government. In response to the Development Application (DA) for Dinawan Solar Farm, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has recommended conditions of consent to manage potential impacts on the local area. We expect recommended conditions for the Dinawan Wind Farm to follow in the first quarter of 2026.
You can read the referral letter, assessment report, and recommended conditions of consent on the NSW Independent Planning Commission’s (IPC) website by visiting this page. In line with the IPC’s consultation timeline for Dinawan Solar Farm, written public submissions and registration to speak at the project’s public meeting are open until 17 February 2026 (closing at noon).
27 February 2026: A public meeting will be held at Coleambally Community Hall at 10am. You can pre-register to speak at the event here.
5 March 2026: Submissions for the Dinawan Solar Farm project can be made until 11.59pm.
Expressions of interest open for the Accommodation Village until 16 February 2026
We are seeking partners to design, supply, install and operate an accommodation village to support the construction workforce. We are looking for innovative approaches that will create an outstanding place to live while contributing to the delivery of the DEH. Find out more here.
To see all work packages available for Dinawan Wind Farm (Stage 1), visit the ICN Gateway here.
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has recommended conditions of consent for the approval of the Dinawan Solar Farm development application. The Independent Planning Commission will hold a public meeting at the Coleambally Hall at 10am on 27 February 2026. View the full timeline here.
This decision follows several years of studies and consultation with interested and impacted stakeholders, including local councils, landholders, residents, Aboriginal community representatives, and transport, environmental and safety government agencies.
Spark Renewables applied for a permit to deliver a large-scale solar farm (800 MW); and a battery energy storage system (356 MW).
The Department has assessed the Dinawan Solar Farm proposal, including potential impacts on the environment, traffic, farming activities, heritage, and the character and liveability of the local area. Following this assessment, a detailed set of conditions has been recommended to help manage these impacts and protect the interests of the local community.
The recommended conditions of consent require Spark Renewables to:
Manage and minimise noise, dust, and traffic disturbance throughout construction;
Protect ecologically sensitive areas;
Safeguard Aboriginal heritage sites;
Maintain agricultural land capability where possible, including consideration for sheep grazing;
Prepare detailed management plans prior to construction commencing;
Adhere to approved site access points and transport routes for all workers; and
Contribute annual funding for community benefits.
Spark Renewables has committed to avoid all hollow bearing trees that were identified during the ecological studies.
Dinawan Energy Hub Accommodation Village expressions of interest open
Spark Renewables invites expressions of interest for our Dinawan Energy Hub Accommodation Village work package.
The Dinawan Energy Hub is situated between Coleambally and Jerilderie in the Murrumbidgee Local Government Area, south-west NSW, adjacent to the Dinawan Substation.
The market briefing is available to view here and the market briefing pack can be downloaded here.(Note: the EOI due date has been extended to 16 February 2026 instead of 31 January 2026.)
As part of this package, we are seeking partners to design, supply, install and operate an accommodation village of approximately 400 beds to support the construction workforce. This includes single ensuite rooms, quality dining, and a range of recreational and wellbeing features such as gyms, wellness spaces and social hubs.
We are looking for innovative approaches that will create an outstanding place to live while contributing to the delivery of the Dinawan Energy Hub.
The work package will be procured in two parts:
Village civil works
Village supply, installation and operations
We are committed on delivering strong social value outcomes for the local community. This includes meaningful opportunities for First Nations businesses and pathways to grow a First Nations workforce across the project.
Suppliers interested in this work package are invited to register now.
The EOI response period will run until 16 February 2026. Register by emailing Anthony.Fuller@sparkrenewables.com.
This is a voluntary set of commitments that clean energy developers uphold when planning, building, and operating renewable energy projects. There are more than 50 signatories, representing nearly all major renewable energy developers in Australia.
This is the second year of reporting, and the submissions for this year show the industry continuing to raise the bar for responsible development in regional Australia.
Spark Renewables is proud to be part of an industry that engages meaningfully with local communities and First Nations groups, addresses environmental and agricultural concerns, and works to deliver lasting benefits for landholders and regional communities.
Signatories to the Charter are committed to minimising impacts on quality agricultural land and exploring opportunities for co-existence between renewable energy and farming. The reports highlight a range of locally adapted approaches that support both clean energy generation and agricultural productivity. At Bomen Solar Farm, Spark Renewables is currently supporting a three-year research project led by Charles Sturt University to identify the ideal pasture mix that thrives under solar panels, supports quality grazing land, and reduces fire risk.
The signatories’ submissions reflect a continued commitment to respectful engagement – consulting early and often, remaining sensitive to areas of high biodiversity, cultural and landscape value, and to responsible land stewardship over the lifetime of a project, including waste recycling and decommissioning. This year’s reports demonstrate a more deliberate, science-informed, and locally sensitive approach to managing environmental impacts across construction, operations and at the project end-of-life.
One of our earlier partnerships in this field – with a leading solar panel recycling and resource recovery company PV Industries – is proving successful in finding sustainable end-of-life solutions for solar panels. At their new facility launch last week, the team demonstrated how solar panels can be processed to recover materials such as silver.
Read the summary and view the published reports and over 400 examples showcasing how renewable energy projects are delivering real, often unseen benefits for local communities and the environment across Australia here.
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.”
