Spark Renewables’ Dinawan Energy Hub has been awarded approximately 1GW of access rights in New South Wales’ South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
The successful bid, following a competitive process run by AEMO Services under the NSW Government’s REZ access scheme, includes 707MW of wind, 300MW of solar, and a 300MW / 1200MWh BESS.
Together, the assets are expected to generate enough electricity to power around 500,000 homes annually.
The Dinawan Energy Hub is one of four projects to receive access rights in the South West REZ, and is located adjacent to Transgrid’s Dinawan substation. Spark Renewables said the proximity to existing transmission infrastructure would help reduce connection costs and contribute to lower energy prices.
The project is expected to create approximately 1200 construction jobs and more than 50 ongoing roles, with plans to prioritise apprenticeships, upskilling and First Nations participation.
Spark Renewables said it had committed over $100 million in community, education and industry development initiatives over the project’s lifespan. This includes a local community fund, First Nations employment programs, and renewable energy training opportunities.
Anthony Marriner, chief executive officer of Spark Renewables, said the South West REZ had been a key focus since 2021.
“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,” Marriner said.
“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,” he said.
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners holds an option to acquire a minority interest in the project at financial close. Marriner said the firm would provide development support and shared Spark Renewables’ sustainability goals.
Owned by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), a Malaysia-based utility with a market capitalisation of approximately $28 billion, Spark Renewables said the Dinawan Energy Hub would contribute to TNB’s global target of installing 14.3GW of renewable energy capacity by 2050.
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