Massive Solar and Battery Project Receives Final Approval for Construction
An extensive solar farm, boasting 800 megawatts of capacity coupled with a substantial four-hour battery system, has received federal environmental approval, overcoming significant public objections during the state approval process.
The Dinawan solar and battery project, developed by Spark Renewables, will comprise an 800 MW solar farm alongside a 356 MW / 1,574 megawatt hour (MWh) battery and a separate wind energy component. This ambitious project is set to be constructed in the south-west region of New South Wales (NSW).
Overcoming Public Objections
After facing 82 objections—primarily from individuals residing over 100 kilometres away—the project secured state approval in April, following its referral to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) in January.
The recent endorsement from the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act includes several stipulations, such as annual compliance reports and the obligation to inform authorities of any violations within two days.
The approved plans aim to protect ten different types of grasslands, woodlands, and various species of plants, birds, and reptiles that are classified as vulnerable, threatened, or endangered under the EPBC Act.
Next Steps for Construction
With the most recent approval, the project is now primed for construction, as it already possesses a connectivity agreement due to its allocation within the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
However, the access rights granted in April of the previous year limited the solar-battery segment to 300 MW, with additional connection points designated for wind energy worth 350 MW and 357 MW each.
Will Stone, Head of Development at Spark Renewables, has stated that they will initially focus on constructing the 300 MW solar capacity in the first stage, with plans to expand if the grid can be enhanced or if other projects face challenges.
The company aims to make a final investment decision next year, anticipating the commencement of construction by the end of 2027, pending grid connection approval from Transgrid.
Strategically Positioned for Success
The Dinawan project sits strategically between Coleambally and Jerilderie in south-west NSW, an area already home to two operational solar farms, Coleambally and Darlington Point, as well as several proposed solar farms, large battery systems, and wind energy projects—including the nation’s largest at Yanco Delta.
This project secured one of the largest allocations within the REZ due to its proximity to the new Dinawan substation, which will transmit electricity along the 300 kilovolt (kV) interstate Project Energy Connect line, delivering power to Victoria via VNI West.
The solar component recently secured a federal underwriting arrangement as part of the latest Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) generation tender. Meanwhile, the wind component received a CIS contract in the fourth tender conducted last October.
Fast-Tracking Development in NSW
The broader Dinawan initiative was also accelerated by NSW’s newly established Investment Delivery Authority (IDA) in March, which has the authority to expedite planning approvals and override council decisions, addressing concerns regarding the complexity and delays associated with major investments in NSW.
This update is particularly promising for the Dinawan wind project, which is still undergoing state assessments, yet it comes just in time for the solar and battery components that are now ready to commence.
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