Renewables
South Australia names developers for massive green energy tender
Four energy firms have secured rights to pursue nearly 13 GW of solar, wind and battery storage projects in South Australia.
Key points
- Four proposals won selection in the Whyalla West tender process.
- Selected developers can now apply for renewable energy feasibility licences.
- The state aims to achieve 100% net renewables close to the end of 2027.
What happened
According to pv magazine, the South Australian government has chosen four separate renewable energy proposals to advance following a competitive land tender. The selected projects aim to introduce approximately 12.66 GW of additional generation capacity into the local grid.
Successful applicants include Altra Energy with a 4.7 GW wind and solar plan, Neoen with a 360 MW solar initiative, Heron Energy with a 1.6 GW wind venture, and Windlab with a combined solar and wind installation reaching up to 6 GW. These initiatives will be situated within the Whyalla West release area, encompassing over 11,000 square kilometres of state-controlled land designated for large-scale green energy ventures.
Tom Koutsantonis, the South Australian Energy Minister, noted that the tender represents a major opportunity to foster industrial growth in the Upper Spencer Gulf. The chosen entities are now cleared to apply for feasibility licences, which will permit comprehensive environmental, commercial and technical studies before any future construction approvals are considered.
What comes next
Developers face a rigorous phase of investigations following their selection. While the state government maintains ambitions to source 100% of its net electricity from renewables around the close of 2027, officials have acknowledged that the exact timing remains flexible. Government records indicate that renewables already supplied 77.1% of net generation during the 2025 calendar year.
Why it matters
For international energy investors and developing economies, the South Australian tender illustrates how structured government land releases can unlock substantial private capital for infrastructure. According to World Bank figures, Australia's electricity use per person reached 9,794.7 kWh in 2025, supported by advanced grid integration. In contrast, many emerging markets across sub-Saharan Africa grapple with constrained transmission capacity and chronic supply deficits. While African nations possess immense solar and wind potential, translating that resource base into gigawatt-scale projects requires transparent regulatory frameworks and targeted feasibility processes similar to those deployed in South Australia. Policymakers across the continent can observe these mechanisms to better structure competitive procurement for their own expanding energy markets.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
26.7% of electricity in Australia was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
