South Australia has released 11,000 km² of land for renewable energy development under the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023
The areas include about 5,200 km² in Gawler Ranges East and nearly 6,500 km² in Whyalla West
Developers must apply for renewable energy feasibility licenses through a competitive solicitation process
The state Government of South Australia has opened 11,000 km² of land for the development of large-scale renewable energy projects, spread across Gawler Ranges East and Whyalla West release areas. Land parcels will be awarded after a competitive solicitation round.
Released under the state’s Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023, the land offers some of the highest co-incident wind and solar resources in South Australia. It comprises approximately 5,200 km² on the Upper Eyre Peninsula in Gawler Ranges East, and close to 6,500 km² in the Upper Spencer Gulf region in Whyalla West.
These areas were picked after extensive consultation with pastoralists, native title groups, other landholders, and regional communities.
Interested bidders will seek renewable energy feasibility licenses (REFLs) to secure a portion of this land, which is estimated to host enough clean energy to power more than 500,000 homes.
According to the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM), applicants will not be limited to proposing specific technology for the land, but will also propose how they plan to optimize the use of land and renewable energy in the release areas.
Applicants will also specify the timeframe for delivering the project, and how it will benefit the state and the traditional custodians of the land.
Applications for this tender open on March 30, 2026, and close on June 28, 2026, allowing applicants to engage with native title holders for an agreement, said the DEM. Details are available on DEM’s website.
South Australia leads Australia in terms of renewable energy expansion. It targets 100% net renewables by 2027. By 2025/2026, the Australian Market Operator forecasts that the state’s net electricity generation from renewable energy will rise from 74% to around 85%.
