The South Australian government has selected four proposed renewable energy projects with a combined generation capacity of almost 13 GW to progress near the industrial centre of Whyalla in the state’s Upper Spencer Gulf region.
Four proposed solar, wind, and battery energy storage projects that would add a combined 12.66 GW of new generation capacity to the grid have been successful in the South Australian government’s competitive tender process for land released under the state’s renewable energy framework.
The successful proposals have now secured the right to apply for a renewable energy feasibility licence in the Whyalla West release area, part of more than 11,000 square kilometres of land opened by the state government earlier this year for the potential development of large-scale renewables projects.
The successful projects include a 4.7 GW wind and solar proposal from South Australia-based Altra Energy, a 360 MW solar proposal from French developer Neoen, and a 1.6 GW wind project proposed by Heron Energy. Australian developer Windlab has proposed the largest project, combining up to 6 GW of solar and wind energy generation. The project’s first stage is expected to comprise up to 1 GW of wind generation and battery energy storage.
South Australian Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the scale of the proposed developments represents one of the largest renewable energy opportunities released in the state, adding the projects could underpin the next era of green industrial growth in the Upper Spencer Gulf region.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for Whyalla and the Upper Spencer Gulf, with almost 13 GW of proposed renewable energy generation that could help shape the region’s industrial future,” he said.
“For generations, Whyalla has been one of South Australia’s great industrial centres. We want to build on that strength, attracting new investment and creating opportunities for the next generation of industry.”
Koutsantonis acknowledged that all four projects are at an early stage, and that there is significant work ahead, but said their success in the tender process is an important step towards unlocking the region’s renewable energy potential.
The successful companies can now apply for renewable energy feasibility licences. These would allow developers to undertake detailed technical, commercial and environmental investigations. Any construction and operation would require a separate renewable energy infrastructure licence.
Windlab Chief Development Officer Nathan Blundell said the region’s renewable resources and established industrial sector make it especially compelling for development.
“Whyalla West combines exceptional renewable energy resources, significant development scale and proximity to established and emerging industrial demand,” he said.
Altra Energy Director Andrew Newman said there is an opportunity to power the next generation of industry in the region, which has been heavily impacted by the recent closure of the Whyalla Steelworks.
“The Upper Spencer Gulf has always been a place with a strong industrial history, and this is a chance to power the next generation of that industry,” he said. “We’re already working with major energy users on how this energy will be used.”
The announcement of the successful tender applicants, comes after the state government earlier this month announced the pipeline of large-scale renewable energy and storage projects under construction or with development approval in South Australia has rocketed in value to more than $32 billion, with almost $7 billion worth of projects already up and running,
South Australia is targeting 100% net renewables by the end of 2027 although Koutsantonis recently hinted the state might not achieve its goal.
“I think we are going to get to 100%. I am confident we can meet that target, but the question for us is going to be is when in 2027 we hit that target” he said during a press conference marking the start of construction on Tilt Renewables’ 288 MW Palmer wind farm 70 kilometres east of Adelaide.
“If we overshoot it a bit, it gets into a little bit of 2028, fine. But the ambition is what’s important. The ambition is what drives the government’s agenda here.”
Government data shows renewables, primarily solar and wind, accounted for 77.1% of the South Australia’s net electricity generation in the 2025 calendar year.
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