South Australia Opens Massive Renewables Tender for Land Double Kangaroo Island’s Size
South Australia has kicked off a 13-week tender inviting proposals for solar, wind, and storage projects across a vast region the government refers to as “twice the size of Kangaroo Island.”
This initiative follows a commitment made by the recently re-elected Labor government in the lead-up to the February state election, confirming that an area exceeding 11,000 square kilometres is now available for large-scale renewable energy developments.
Areas Open for Development
Last week, the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining announced that applications are now being accepted for renewable energy feasibility licenses covering two extensive regions in the southern central part of the state: the Gawler Ranges East and Whyalla West.
The department emphasised that there are no specific technological constraints imposed on the proposals, encouraging submissions that best utilise the land and its renewable energy potential.
Resource Potential and Area Details
The selected regions boast some of the state’s most significant co-incident solar and wind resources, with state estimates indicating that these areas could potentially generate enough renewable energy to power around 500,000 homes.
The Gawler Ranges East area covers approximately 5,200 square kilometres on the Upper Eyre Peninsula, while the Whyalla West area encompasses roughly 6,500 square kilometres within the Upper Spencer Gulf region.
Selection of these areas was based on comprehensive consultations with pastoralists, native title groups, landholders, and local communities, alongside expert input from the government to ensure necessary protections for important sites within the release zones.
Tender Application Process
The 13-week tender period provides applicants ample time to prepare their proposals and establish agreements with native title holders. According to departmental notices, tenders must fulfil specific criteria, including their delivery timeline, relevant experience, environmental management credentials, and the anticipated benefits to the state and traditional land custodians.
The call for tenders in both regions will remain open until 28 June 2026. Interested parties can access further information from the Department for Energy and Mining’s website.
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