South Australia has selected four developers to advance renewable energy proposals with almost 13 GW of potential generation capacity
Windlab leads with a proposed 6 GW wind and solar project; Altra Energy, Heron Energy, and Neoen are the other developers
These companies can apply for Renewable Feasibility Licences to conduct technical, commercial, and environmental studies
South Australia has selected four developers to advance renewable energy proposals with almost 13 GW of potential generation capacity, near Whyalla. The state government says this is one of the largest renewable energy development opportunities ever released in the state.
The South Australian Department for Energy and Mining said the proposed developments could help meet the region’s future energy needs and support industrial growth, including new investment in the Upper Spencer Gulf.
Among the selected developers is Windlab that has proposed up to 6 GW of wind and solar energy generation for its Whyalla West Project across 2,386 km². Stage 1 of the facility will also include battery storage.
According to local media reports, Altra Energy has proposed to build a 4.7 GW wind and solar project on 586 km², Heron Energy plans to build 1.6 GW wind project on 314 km², and Neoen aims to use 81 km² for its 350 MW solar project.
Together, these proposals cover more than 3,300 square kilometers in the Whyalla West Release Area, on pastoral land west of Whyalla within Barngarla Country.
South Australia selected these projects under the state’s renewable energy legislative framework, introduced in 2023. In April 2026, it released 11,000 km² of land for renewable energy development under the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023 (see South Australia Opens 11,000 km² For Renewable Projects).
The successful developers will have the exclusive right to apply for Renewable Feasibility Licences. These licences would allow them to conduct detailed technical, commercial, and environmental studies to determine whether their projects can proceed.
Australia’s renewable energy investment reached a record level in 2026, according to data released by the federal government. Large-scale renewable energy projects representing 5 GW of capacity had reached final investment decisions (FID) by the end of September, exceeding the previous full-year record of 4.9 GW. This includes 2.1 GW reaching FID in Q3 comprising 1.1 GW wind and 1 GW solar projects.
