Four major renewable energy projects have been selected to progress west of Whyalla, with plans for almost 13 gigawatts of wind and solar generation across more than 3,300 square kilometres of South Australia’s Upper Spencer Gulf.
The proposed developments, located on pastoral land within Barngarla Country, represent one of the largest renewable energy opportunities released in the state, with the potential to support existing industries, attract new investment and create opportunities for future industrial growth.
The projects form part of the Whyalla West Release Area, established under South Australia’s renewable energy legislation introduced in 2023.
Four companies have been selected through a competitive tender process, with their proposals ranging from large-scale wind and solar developments to dedicated solar generation.
Windlab has proposed the largest project, combining 6GW of wind and solar generation across approximately 2,386 square kilometres.
Altra Energy SA is proposing a 4.7GW wind and solar development across 584 square kilometres, while Heron Energy has outlined plans for a 1.6GW wind project covering approximately 314 square kilometres.
French renewable energy company Neoen has also been selected, with a proposed 350MW solar development across 81 square kilometres.
Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis said the scale of the proposals presented an opportunity to build on Whyalla’s longstanding industrial foundations.
“For generations, Whyalla has been one of South Australia’s great industrial centres,” he said.
“We want to build on that strength, attracting new investment and creating opportunities for the next generation of industry.”
The projects are still in their early stages, with the successful companies now granted the exclusive right to apply for Renewable Feasibility Licences.
These licences would allow developers to undertake detailed technical, commercial and environmental investigations to determine whether their proposals are viable.
Further consultation, assessment and regulatory approvals will be required before any construction can proceed.
Windlab Chief Development Officer Nathan Blundell said the region’s renewable resources and established industrial sector made it particularly attractive for future development.
The company has already begun working with the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation and local pastoralists, with their input expected to help shape the project’s planning and environmental studies.
Altra Energy SA Director Andrew Newman said the company was already engaging with major energy users to explore how renewable generation could support local industry and keep investment and employment opportunities within the region.
The announcement comes as the Upper Spencer Gulf continues to position itself as a centre for renewable energy and industrial development, with large-scale generation projects potentially supporting the energy requirements of existing and emerging industries.
While the combined generation capacity is significant, the projects remain proposals rather than approved developments, and their ultimate size and delivery will depend on the outcome of feasibility studies and future approvals.
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