Spark Renewables secures key contract for 357 MW wind farm in Australia

The Dinawan Wind Farm project, first phase of a 1.3 GW energy hub, was selected in the fourth tender round of the Capacity Investment Scheme launched by the Australian Government.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Australian developer Spark Renewables announced that the first phase of its Dinawan Energy Hub, the Dinawan Wind Farm (Stage 1), has been selected under the fourth round of the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS). The 357 megawatt (MW) project is located between Jerilderie and Coleambally in the state of New South Wales. This outcome paves the way for secured funding of one of the country’s most ambitious renewable energy generation projects.

A multi-technology energy hub

The Dinawan Energy Hub will deliver a total capacity of 1.3 gigawatts (GW) in multiple phases. In addition to the initial wind farm, the second phase will include a further 350 MW wind project, while the third will integrate a 300 MW solar plant combined with a 300 MW/1,200 MWh battery energy storage system. Overall, the complex will supply around 1 GW of new capacity to the National Electricity Market and provide 300 MW of four-hour battery storage.

The site is strategically located near the Dinawan Substation within the South West Renewable Energy Zone, enabling efficient grid integration. Spark Renewables secured access rights to this energy zone in April 2025.

Government support and strategic evaluation

The Capacity Investment Scheme, led by the Department of Climate Change and Energy, is a public revenue-underwriting mechanism aimed at accelerating investment in renewable energy projects. Submissions are assessed on criteria including electricity cost competitiveness, regional economic impact, local content procurement, and engagement with Indigenous communities.

The Dinawan Energy Hub’s development is supported by ecological and technical studies. A response to submissions on the Environmental Impact Statement was submitted to state authorities in August 2025, marking a step forward in the approvals process for full-scale delivery.

Targeting financial close for phase one

Anthony Marriner, Chief Executive Officer of Spark Renewables, stated that the project is “the only initiative in the country to combine wind, solar, and battery storage on a single site.” He also emphasised the importance of CIS support in advancing the project toward financial close, a key milestone before construction can begin.

Dinawan’s selection under the federal programme strengthens investment momentum in Australia’s renewable energy zones. The technological mix deployed at Dinawan is designed to meet network stability requirements and attract long-term capital.

Driven by solid operational performance, Nordex has raised its 2025 EBITDA margin forecast to 7.5–8.5%, up from the previous 5–7%, following a significant improvement in preliminary third-quarter results.
Neoen’s Goyder South Wind Farm reaches full generation capacity, strengthening the French group’s presence in Australia’s energy market with 412 MW connected to the grid.
The Australian government has granted environmental approval for the 108 MW Waddi Wind Farm, a Tilt Renewables project with construction costs exceeding $400mn.
The 180 MW Nimbus wind project enters its final phase of construction in Arkansas, with commercial operation scheduled for early 2026.
Faced with market uncertainty in Europe, Siemens Gamesa pauses a planned industrial investment in Esbjerg, highlighting structural difficulties in the offshore wind sector.
Institutional deadlock in France delays tenders and weakens the offshore wind sector, triggering job cuts and major industrial withdrawals from the market.
The Lithuanian energy group has signed a EUR 318 million financing agreement for its 314 MW wind project, the largest in the Baltic states.
German group BayWa r.e. has tasked Enercoop Bretagne with implementing a citizen investment scheme for its planned wind farm in Plouisy, aiming for shared governance and stronger local involvement.
US wind capacity fell in Q2, but developers anticipate a sharp increase by late 2025, with 46 GW of new capacity forecast by 2029 and a peak in 2027.
Engie has signed a renewable electricity supply contract with Apple covering 173 MW of installed capacity in Italy, with commissioning scheduled between 2026 and 2027.
Renova a soumis une méthodologie d’évaluation environnementale pour un projet éolien terrestre de 280MW à Higashidori, renforçant son positionnement sur les technologies renouvelables au Japon.
The joint venture between BP and JERA ends its offshore wind ambitions in the United States, citing an unfavourable economic and regulatory environment for continuing the development of the Beacon Wind project.
With a 300 MW partnership signed with Nadara, Q ENERGY exceeds 1 GW of wind repowering projects in France, reinforcing its position in a market driven by public investment dynamics.
The acquisition of Cosmic Group by FairWind consolidates its position in Australia and marks a strategic expansion into New Zealand and Japan.
Danish manufacturer Vestas has paused construction of its planned facility in Poland, originally set for 2026, citing weaker-than-expected European offshore wind demand.
British operator Equitix has been selected to take over transmission assets of the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, a £450mn ($547mn) project awarded under Ofgem’s tenth tender round.
Energiequelle GmbH has launched replacement work for old turbines at its Minden-Hahlen site, aiming for long-term structural maintenance with the installation of three new 200-metre machines.
GE Vernova will equip the Ialomiţa wind farm with 42 turbines of 6.1 MW, strengthening its presence in the European onshore wind sector with a 252 MW project in partnership with Greenvolt.
Eversource Energy posts a one-time $75mn charge linked to unforeseen costs in the Revolution Wind project, while tightening its 2025 earnings forecast.
The Renewables Infrastructure Group has signed a ten-year power purchase agreement with Virgin Media O2 for its onshore wind farms in the United Kingdom, ensuring price stability for both parties.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.