NSW Greenlights Giga-Scale Solar and Battery Hub in Riverina
New South Wales is set to host one of the nation’s most significant renewable energy projects, with the state’s Independent Planning Commission (IPC) granting final approval for the Dinawan Solar Farm. The colossal $1.35 billion hybrid project, developed by Spark Renewables, will be located near Coleambally in the state’s southwest, a key part of the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
The project’s scale is immense, combining an 800-megawatt (MW) solar installation with a 356 MW / 1,574 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system. Once complete, the solar farm will feature approximately two million photovoltaic panels and will generate enough clean electricity to power an estimated 142,000 Australian homes.
This approval marks a critical step in accelerating NSW’s transition away from fossil fuels. The integration of a large-scale battery is particularly vital, designed to provide dispatchable power to the National Electricity Market (NEM). This will help improve grid stability and energy security, storing cheap solar energy generated during the day for release during evening peak demand periods.
Project to Deliver Major Economic and Grid Benefits
The development is a major economic boon for the Riverina region, with Spark Renewables, which is owned by Malaysian utility Tenaga Nasional Bhd, expecting to create around 400 full-time jobs during the construction phase.
The project was recommended for approval by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in late 2025 but was referred to the independent commission after the department received more than 50 public objections during its assessment. The IPC’s final determination came after a thorough review of concerns raised, which included cumulative impacts, traffic, and social impacts.
In its statement, the Commission concluded that the project aligns with NSW government commitments to transition to renewable energy and would assist in “improving grid stability and energy security”.
The Dinawan project combines an 800 MW solar installation comprising about two million solar panels with a 356 MW / 1,574 MWh battery energy storage system.
A Key Piece in Australia’s Renewable Puzzle
The Dinawan Solar Farm’s approval underscores the growing trend of hybrid projects that pair large-scale solar generation with significant battery storage. This model is becoming the standard for new developments as it addresses the intermittency of solar power, ensuring a more reliable and consistent supply of energy to the grid.
The project’s location within the South West REZ is strategic, placing it in a region identified by the government as ideal for renewable energy development due to its strong solar resources and proximity to existing transmission infrastructure. The successful approval and eventual construction of the Dinawan facility will be a cornerstone of this designated energy hub.
Spark Renewables’ Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Marriner, noted that the approval is a major step for the broader Dinawan Energy Hub, which is also planned to include a 1.2 GW wind farm, further cementing the region’s status as a clean energy powerhouse. While a final construction timeline has not been announced, the project must still meet several conditions of consent imposed by the IPC, including the implementation of traffic and noise management plans and a fire safety study. This development represents a significant private investment in Australia’s renewable future, directly contributing to both state and federal targets for a cleaner electricity grid.