NSW Approves Gigantic $1.35 Billion Solar and Battery Project
New South Wales is set to host one of the country’s most significant renewable energy projects, with the state’s Independent Planning Commission (IPC) granting final approval to the Dinawan Solar Farm. The colossal $1.35 billion development, located near Coleambally in the Riverina region, combines an 800-megawatt (MW) solar installation with a massive 356 MW / 1,574 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).
The project, developed by Spark Renewables, will be a cornerstone of the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and is designed to provide large-scale, dispatchable clean energy to the national grid. The approval marks a critical step in Australia’s transition away from fossil fuels, with the facility poised to enhance grid stability and energy security as traditional coal-fired power stations are retired.
In its official statement, the IPC noted that the project aligns with the NSW government’s commitment to the renewable energy transition and would contribute positively to grid stability. The solar farm component will feature approximately two million photovoltaic panels, capable of generating enough electricity to power a significant number of homes and businesses.
A Landmark Project for a Greener Grid
The scale of the Dinawan project underscores the accelerating shift towards hybrid renewable solutions. Combining solar photovoltaic generation with large-scale battery storage allows the facility to capture and store solar energy during the day and dispatch it during peak demand periods, including the evening when the sun isn’t shining. This functionality is crucial for maintaining a reliable power supply.
The approval process was not without its challenges. The project was referred to the independent commission for a final decision after the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure received more than 50 public objections during its assessment period. The IPC’s determination came after a thorough review process, which included site inspections and meetings with community stakeholders, considering concerns related to land use, environmental impact, and local infrastructure.
The Dinawan Energy Hub is expected to create approximately 400 full-time equivalent jobs during its construction phase, providing a significant economic boost to the Murrumbidgee Local Government Area.
Building the Backbone for Australia’s Renewable Future
The approval of the Dinawan project comes just a day after another major milestone for NSW’s renewable ambitions. On Monday, the first transmission tower for Australia’s first-ever REZ was erected in the Central-West Orana region. These zones act as renewable energy powerhouses, concentrating generation from solar, wind, and storage in dedicated areas and connecting it to the grid via new high-capacity transmission lines.
The Central-West Orana REZ is projected to unlock up to $25 billion in private investment and deliver enough energy to power over two million homes once operational from 2028. Together, the progress on both the Dinawan farm and the REZ infrastructure signals strong momentum for utility-scale solar and storage in Australia.
Projects like these are vital for meeting Australia’s emissions reduction targets and ensuring a stable and affordable energy supply for the future. As the energy market continues to evolve, the development of large-scale, dispatchable solar and battery facilities will become increasingly central to the nation’s energy strategy, moving beyond rooftop solar to power entire regions with clean energy.