Dawn Renewables Welcomes NSW Government Access Rights Milestone for Cobbora Solar Farm

7 May 2025

Clean energy developer Dawn Renewables has warmly welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to award Access Rights for Cobbora Solar Farm, marking a milestone in the delivery of NSW’s first Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).  

Securing Access Rights via EnergyCo clears the pathway for detailed technical design and construction planning within the Central-West Orana REZ. The 700-megawatt (MW) solar farm will play a central role in strengthening network reliability and accelerating NSW’s transition toward cleaner, lower-cost power.  

Dawn Renewables first initiated development of the Cobbora Solar Farm in 2021, transforming a site once earmarked for a major state coal mine into a centrepiece for regional green infrastructure. The award of Access Rights validates the project’s strategic positioning and ensures direct connection into EnergyCo’s new high-voltage REZ transmission network.  

Following the acquisition of development rights by infrastructure investor Pacific Partnerships in 2024, Dawn Renewables has continued providing crucial development services to guide the project through its remaining planning and regulatory gates.  

“The granting of Access Rights by the NSW Government is a pivotal step forward – not just for Cobbora Solar Farm, but the state’s broader energy transition”, said Tim Kirk, Director at Dawn Renewables. “Having led the development of the site since 2021, we are proud to see our early vision aligned with the state’s vision for the Central-West Orana REZ. This decision provides the regulatory certainty needed to advance detailed design and move closer to construction. We look forward to continuing our collaborating with Pacific Partnerships, local councils, and the community to deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits to regional New South Wales.”